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Zion Williamson meets challenges as Pelicans aim for playoffs

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 29, 2026, 4:37 AM

Last updated Sep 29, 2026

Zion Williamson meets challenges as Pelicans aim for playoffs

Summary

Zion Williamson has completed benchmarks set by new Pelicans GM Joe Dumars as the team prepares for the 2026-27 NBA season. Dumars has emphasized the need for Williamson to improve his physical condition and shooting skills. Last season, Williamson played 62 games, averaging 21.0 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game. Jamahl Mosley has taken over as the Pelicans' head coach after the team moved on from James Borrego. The Pelicans have not reached the playoffs in two consecutive seasons and are looking to reinforce their roster around Williamson, including the addition of Bennedict Mathurin.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

Status Watch

•Zion Williamson completes challenges from Joe Dumars for improved fitness.
•Williamson played 62 games last season, averaging 21.0 points.
•Jamahl Mosley is the new head coach for the Pelicans.
•The Pelicans missed the playoffs for the past two years.
•Bennedict Mathurin joins the team as a key roster addition.

Latest Updates

4:37 AMYahoo Sports — Pelicans news: Zion Williamson weight watch is on after completing Joe Dumars’ challenge

What they're saying

"
The New Orleans Pelicans come into the 2026-27 season looking to get back into the playoff picture in the Western Conference. And much of the Pelicans’ potential success hinges on the availability of star forward Zion Williamson . Williamson has had unfortunate injury luck throughout his career, but this summer, he was tasked with a few benchmarks […] The post Pelicans news: Zion Williamson weight watch is on after completing Joe Dumars’ challenge appeared first on ClutchPoints.
— Yahoo Sports

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New Orleans Pelicans NBA Basketball