Joe Dumars Discusses Zion, Expectations For Pelicans, More

As we relayed in a separate story, Joe Dumars told reporters on Monday that Pelicans wings Trey Murphy III and Herbert Jones will be full participants in training camp this fall.

New Orleans’ new head of basketball operations made several other comments worth highlighting as well:

• Addressing oft-injured star forward Zion Williamson, Dumars said he’s reiterated “responsibility” and “accountability” to the former No. 1 overall pick (Twitter link via Will Guillory of The Athletic). Dumars also wants Williamson to fully grasp the heightened expectations that come with his level of talent.
• In a meeting with the coaching staff this morning (Twitter video link via the team), Dumars said he told his colleagues he didn’t have any set expectations for the Pelicans this season in terms of wins and losses. However, he does expect New Orleans to be a “high-competing team every night,” and if that comes to fruition, “the wins will take care of themselves.”
• Dumars said he has been speaking to head coach Willie Green on a daily basis. He added that his offseason communication with the coaching staff has been vital (Twitter link via Guillory).
• According to Guillory (Twitter link), Dumars said the controversial draft-day trade to acquire big man Derik Queen doesn’t mean the Pelicans have a “playoffs-or-bust” approach this season. Dumars said the team was and still is focused on building a deep roster that can be competitive every game.
• Speaking of Queen, Dumars said the Pelicans have been encouraging him to get in better shape while he rehabilitates from wrist surgery, as sideline reporter Erin Summers tweets.
• The Pelicans have been hit hard by injuries for several seasons. Dumars said he has spent extended time with the medical staff and made some “tweaks” to their processes this offseason, per Summers (Twitter link).
• Dumars has been encouraged by Jeremiah Fears‘ work ethic, as the team has had to force the 18-year-old guard to stay out of the gym at times (Twitter link via Summers). New Orleans selected Fears No. 7 overall in June’s draft.
• “In order to be a contender you have to be obsessed with (basketball),” Dumars said, citing Fears and trade acquisition Jordan Poole as players who fit that bill (Twitter link via Summer).