Zion Williamson took the court for the first time since May 4, 2021, scoring 13 points, 4 rebounds, and 1 assist in a 129 to 125 win over the Chicago Bulls.
“It was dope. It was my first time playing an NBA game in a long time. I’m most excited about playing the game I love and being out there with my team,” said Williamson following the win.
The 22-year-old was one of five Pelicans to score in double figures.
“Got a new team since the last time, and I’m still learning some of these guys. Today we were able to click. If we can do that for the rest of these preseason games, we should be in good shape,” said Williamson.
The young team’s chemistry was on full display.
“It’s almost like that college bond you have when everybody is so close. With this team, everyone wants to see each other succeed whenever anybody does something, we’re all celebrating, and you can see it. So I think that’s what makes us special,” said Williamson.
This will be Williamson’s third season playing in the league.
He’s averaging 25.7 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 3.2 assists for his career.
Coach Willie Green, who took over the team last season, got his first chance to draw up some plays for Williamson.
The 41-year-old was an assistant with the Suns for two seasons and an assistant for the Golden State Warriors for three years including their back-to-back titles in 2017 and 2018
“He looked good and he’s just going to continue to get better,” Green said. “That’s what we know about Z. He works at it. He’s a competitor. And you know it doesn’t look like it but he had 13 points, and four rebounds in 15 minutes. That’s the type of work he puts in on the floor.”
Next up for the Pels is a Friday night matchup against the Detroit Pistons.