Zion Williamson looked 'amazing' and 'dominated' team scrimmage, says New Orleans Pelicans coach Willie Green

METAIRIE, La. — The New Orleans Pelicans opened training camp on Tuesday with two practices, a morning session followed by one in the evening.

By design, the morning session was lighter. The evening session had a scrimmage portion that was going to be the first intense 5-on-5 work for Zion Williamson with the team since May 2020.

One would expect someone to have some rust in that situation, but Williamson isn't just any someone.

«Z looked amazing,» Pelicans coach Willie Green said on Wednesday afternoon. «His strength, his speed. He dominated the scrimmage pretty much.»

Williamson told reporters on Tuesday that he was excited for the 5-on-5 practice because as much as he could work out during the offseason, it was hard to simulate 5-on-5 work against highly talented players.

«What stood out was his force more than anything,» Green said. «He got down the floor quickly. When he caught the ball, he made quick decisions. Whether it was scoring, finding a teammate. It was really impressive to see.»

Williamson's teammates said he took full advantage of the work that he was able to put in.

«He looks like Z,» Pelicans forward Larry Nance said. «Dude hasn't played basketball for 500-something days. It's not like none of us are expecting that right away but shoot, I got to be honest with you, dude looks good. It's going to take time for everybody to adjust to him. It's going to take him time to adjust to everybody, but it's hard not to be impressed.»

Nance said he spoke to Williamson in the locker room afterward and asked him if he realized that he didn't miss a shot. Williamson told him he hadn't even thought about it.

«He looks like the same wrecking ball we all know and love,» Nance said. «Very pleased to say the least.»

Green