The New Orleans Pelicans media day is officially underway, but yesterday, President of Basketball Operations Joe Dumars spoke to the media. One of the big highlights from this press conference was his comments about Zion Williamson.
Dumars spoke about how being skilled isn't enough to be great and that responsibility is something Williamson needs to take on to reach greatness.
"You don't get to be great and not responsible... It's not enough just to be talented. There is a difference between talent and great.. He's been great.. I have seen him for the last month in and out of the facility, really pushing himself hard."
This quote illustrates the level of accountability Dumars wants Williamson to take; he knows he can be great, and he is going to push him to achieve that.
We all know the numbers Williamson can average near 25 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists, but unless he's putting in the work to stay on the court and be in shape, it doesn't matter.
At 25 years old, the time is now for him to be a leader for this team both on and off the court. There are no longer vets like CJ McCollum and Jrue Holiday around; the responsibility of being a vet now falls on Williamson.
This type of accountability is something Williamson has never had
During the course of Zion Williamson's career, he's never had anyone in the front office hold him accountable and push him to be better every day. This is now something he gets with Dumars, and I think it could be a major difference maker this season.
Dumars even said himself that Williamson has looked great recently and has been pushing himself extremely hard. Hearing this may sound like the same old discourse around the Pelicans, but if there was more work to do, I think he would have told the media that. I firmly believe that Williamson has been working hard this summer and will be ready to take on this season.
Throughout this offseason, Dumars and Williamson have the type of relationship that an Uncle and his Nephew would have. Someone who holds you accountable because they see the greatness within you, kind of like the bond between Peter Parker and Uncle Ben in Spider-Man.
Now we saw how great Peter Parker becomes as Spider-Man because of the motivation from his Uncle, so who's to say Williamson having Dumars play that role won't help him reach his next level?