Zion Williamson’s name has been floating in controversy all offseason, but the New Orleans Pelicans aren’t ready to move on, and neither is Joe Dumars. The newly hired executive vice president of basketball operations made it clear this week: he’s in Williamson’s corner, but it’s time for the former No. 1 overall pick to step into something bigger.
What Did Joe Dumars Tell Zion Williamson About Leadership?
When Dumars took over basketball operations in April, his to-do list was long. But one item was unmistakable: figure out where things stand with Williamson, the team’s most talented and most scrutinized player.
“The first thing I would say about Zion is he’s an incredibly good guy,” Dumars told Marc J. Spears of Andscape. “He’s a really good person. He’s obviously immensely talented. He and I have had some incredible conversations. We are in constant contact with each other.”
“I’ve talked to him about the responsibility of being great and the responsibility of being a leader, of being a captain, of being the best player, of being the face of a franchise. I’ve talked to him about how all of those things come with responsibility and how it’s time now at 25 years old to embrace those responsibilities.”
That responsibility is heavier than ever. At 25, Williamson is no longer a rookie or an up-and-coming project. He’s the face of the franchise, fully guaranteed for $39.4 million in 2025-26. Dumars didn’t sugarcoat it: it’s time to lead, time to perform, and time to stay available.
The Pelicans aren’t exactly hedging their bets either. They traded away their 2026 first-round pick to the Atlanta Hawks, doubling down on their core. If the gamble pays off, New Orleans is back in the playoff mix. If not, they’ve lost a premium pick and risked wasting yet another year of Williamson’s prime.
What Does Zion Williamson’s Future Hold With the Pelicans?
The former Duke standout has seen his name tied to lawsuits, weight concerns, and mounting injury frustration, all while logging just 214 games in five NBA seasons. But Dumars isn’t distancing himself. If anything, he’s leaning in.
“It’s really just been about embracing your greatness on and off the court, very honest and upfront conversations. Not mincing any words. But he also knows it comes from a place of caring about him, helping him grow into being a real true pro,” Dumars said of their talks.
That balance of tough love and full support reflects Dumars’ approach as both a Hall of Famer and championship executive. His résumé includes a title with Detroit as a player, another as a front office head, and a recent stint overseeing basketball operations for the entire NBA.
Dumars declined vice president roles with both the Kings and Suns, but returning to New Orleans was too meaningful to pass up. Now that he’s back, the mission is clear: help Williamson unlock his potential, silence the noise, and build something lasting.
If that doesn’t happen soon, the Pelicans’ gamble might turn into another chapter of what-could-have-been, both for their star and the franchise banking on him.
