How Willie Green wants Sion Williamson’s ‘influence to be felt’ in defence

The opening moments of an NBA game can often reveal a team’s intentions. For New Orleans Pelicans, family focusedtheir starting defensive strategy in the season opener sent a clear message: Zion Williamson is asked to lead at both ends of the court. On the second play of the game, the All-Star forward blitzed into a double team by Ja Morantswitches to the guard to fight off-balance jumpers.

Morant hit a tough 20-footer with seconds left on the clock. However, instead of looking at it as a defensive failure, the Pelicans point to it as a draft. For Williamson, the outcome of that individual game is less important than the process and the statement it makes. These moments were not accidental. No, they were signals of a deliberate evolution where defensive presence is becoming as negligible as rim-rattling dunks.

“I definitely want to make an impact on defense this year,” Williamson told ClutchPoints. “Granted, (Ja Morant) hit it. Still, if I can always influence the offense to take off-balance shots like that, if they hit them, I think when we watch film and live with it. But I definitely want my defensive impact to be felt this year.”

This way of thinking is exactly what it is Willie GreenThe coaching staff is encouraging. Mere demands that Williamson be adequate in defense are no longer tolerated; Joe Dumars needs size. Those early possessions against Memphis signaled both schematic adjustment and personal growth for what should be one of the NBA’s most dynamic weapons.

“It’s growth on (Williamson’s) part, just taking another step in the right direction as a leader,” Green noted. “Taking responsibility defensively, challenging himself. There’s so much room for not only Sion but our team to continue to grow. I thought he stepped on the floor with intent. He played aggressively. He’s dynamic when he’s in the condition he’s in right now. It’s all a credit to his work.”

Green’s comments underscore the key link between Williamson’s improved physical conditioning and his potential defensive progression. A more mobile and agile Zion can be asked to blitz, switch and contain in ways previously unimaginable, making the Pelicans far less predictable on defense.

Pelicans play with fire

Of course, playing with such aggressive intent can lead to problems and injuries. Staying in good official position was a challenge against the Grizzlies. Memphis got to the line 43 times. The Pelicans also felt Williamson’s defensive work wasn’t always rewarded by the officials, with several potential fouls going uncalled.

Green’s message on that front was simple and focused on the controlled.

“Keep playing. Keep playing through the whistle,” he said. “I thought (Williamson) got hit a couple of times, but we can’t foul as much as we did. We have to be better at guarding without fouling.”

For the Pelicans to take the next step as a playoff contender, they will need this new Williamson for more than 75 games. Sion is capable of guarding multiple positions; it’s more about desire. If Williamson can consistently make life difficult for opponents at all times, the Pelicans will have the kind of elite two-way player every champion needs.

An early return is promising. Zaon Williamson’s willingness to accept the challenge, combined with Green’s faith in his conditioning and growth, suggests this defensive evolution is more than just talk. It’s a deliberate transformation that could define the next chapter of his career.