It was all smiles and optimism at the 2022 New Orleans Pelicans media day, as the front office laid out their vision and themes for the season, and we got our first look at Zion Williamson.
New Orleans Pelicans: Themes for the season
Trajan Langdon started the day off by talking about how communication and collaboration is the focal point for everyone within the organization.
Langdon and David Griffin spoke of the hard work players have been putting in during the offseason, with young players like Herb Jones, Jose Alvarado, and Trey Murphy working out all offseason together to get better. Herb Jones has been working out every day and Griffin joked that he spends too much time in the gym.
The Pels have built a communicative and hard-working team from the front office on down, which is clearly part of their organizational philosophy.
Pelicans’ player updates
David Griffin mentioned how the Pelicans are close to an extension with Larry Nance Jr and want to sign Jaxson Hayes as well. Griffin made it official that CJ McCollum signed his contract extension with the Pels. “Winning in New Orleans matters” to CJ, Griffin said Monday.
Kira Lewis has not been cleared for 5-on-5, but is doing 1-on1 drills. This is a good sign as Lewis Jr. also has a team option that is up in the air after missing almost all of last season. Kira will be fighting for minutes off the bench.
Zion Williamson looked fit and healthy, which is a scary sign for the rest of the league. Pels fans and his teammates are very happy to see him back.
My guy look like he ready for a great season 🤝 https://t.co/0cYtrxeI3i
— CJ McCollum (@CJMcCollum) September 26, 2022
Seeing all smiles from Zion is a great sign for the Pelicans. He has not played in 18 months and is very eager to get back on the court saying his excitement level is “through the roof”.
The entire organization seems to be in-sync about the vision for the team and the New Orleans Pelicans will enter training camp with plans to make a deep run in the NBA Playoffs.