Pelicans HC James Borrego Makes Honest Admission on Zion Williamson’s 6th Man Role

New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson has come from the bench since returning from a groin injury. Pelicans coach James Borrego made an honest admission on the former Duke star’s sixth man role after he came off the bench for the fourth straight game to lead the Pelicans to a 119-113 win against the Dallas Mavericks on Monday.

Coach Borrego praised Williamson for prioritizing the team's needs and putting the team ahead of his personal goals.

"The goal was to maximize his minutes. It's a math game... I knew he was gonna respond well but for him to approach it this way in the mature, team first mentality, he deserves credit for that."

Explore the NBA Draft 2024 with our free NBA Mock Draft Simulator & be the GM of your favorite NBA team.

Zion Williamson recorded 24 points, nine rebounds and three assists as the Pelicans won five consecutive games for their longest winning streak this season. He scored 10 straight points in a decisive span of the final period, which helped New Orleans take control late in the game.

He was assisted by rookie Derik Queen who added 19 points, 11 rebounds and six assists. Saddiq Bey chipped in with 19 points and seven assists. For Dallas, Anthony Davis finished with a season-high 35 points alongside 17 rebounds and two assists, while Klay Thompson recorded 20 points and five rebounds.

Williamson is averaging 21.5 points, 5.8 rebounds and 3.7 assists per game. Additionally, he has shot 52.6% from the field and 74.8% from the charity stripe.

---

What’s next for Zion Williamson and the New Orleans Pelicans?

Zion Williamson starting from the bench since his injury return has been a masterstroke. Whether the Pelicans plan to continue that way remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: they’ve found a system that works, keeping their franchise cornerstone fit and productive on both ends of the court.

Their next stretch of games will test their might and resolve as an organization. They take the road to face the Cleveland Cavaliers on Tuesday before hosting the Phoenix Suns in back-to-back home games on Friday and Saturday.

Rookie Derik Queen has been one to watch out for. Zion Williamson praised him after his role in the Mavericks’ win.

"He gets better every game... he's a special talent, and I'm glad he's with us."

Queen, in his last three games, has averaged 17.3 PPG, 11.0 RPG, 4.3 APG, 1.3 BPG, and 1.0 SPG, and has shot 61.1% from the field.

Edited by Ubong Richard