Lots of people are saying that the New Orleans Pelicans got a good young core with their remarkable rookies while others take it up a notch by saying the most shocking thing – they are ready to move on from Zion Williamson. The second idea got fueled on Sunday night when head coach James Borrego decided to start their start off the bench.
Williamson entered the game in the 7-minute mark of their game against the Chicago Bulls. They ended up winning it, 114-106 and it is their second straight win.
One must not overthink the coach’s decision as according to him, it is more about getting Williamson to the system and keeping him comfortable since he is just coming off an injury. The two-time All-Star missed six straight games after putting up huge numbers in the last three before he was made unavailable.
“The no. 2 thing for Z is keeping healthy, keep him on the floor. It’s my no. 1 thing,” Borrego said.
“How we do it, we’re trying to figure out how.”
The first year coach also gave hints if Zion coming off the bench will be a regular thing for them. He said it will depend primarily on his player’s health.
“If it’s a different rotation, he is fine with that, I am fine with that. Were gonna figure this out based on the minutes restrictions, whatever we’re looking at right now.”
“He is fine with that, I am fine with that. Were gonna figure this out… He came in and gave us great energy. He had sustained energy… It gave him the ability to close in a way that wasn’t condensed or rushed”
— James Borrego on Zion coming off the bench pic.twitter.com/odPmGr9tXF
— Pelicans Film Room (@PelsFilmRoom) December 15, 2025
Zion Williamson approves of the move
This is the first time ever Williamson come off the bench since arrive in the league in 2019 as no. 1 overall pick. He understands the logic of this decision and he thinks he benefited from it.
“It was a game plan that allowed me to close the game, with my body being used to playing certain minutes of a quarter,” Williamson said.
“So you know he walked me through it. I didn’t have a problem with it because it allowed me to close the game.
“The rhythm did feel pretty good, but most of all I’m glad we got the win.”
He played a total of 27 minutes and put up 18 points and 6 rebounds.
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