James Borrego turns down Zion Williamson role with ‘gold coins’

James Borrego‘s The New Orleans Pelicans are experimenting with an unconventional approach to managing a long-standing headache, and early returns suggest it might work. Zion Williamsona former number one overall pick and two-time All-Star, he recently transitioned into a sixth man role coming off the bench. The move was hailed as less of a demotion and more of a calculated effort to maximize the unique talent of their franchise player.

In a road win against the Chicago Bulls, Williamson contributed 18 points, six rebounds and three assists in 27 minutes of play. Perhaps more telling is what happened in the home win over the Houston Rockets, where Williamson didn’t see the floor at all in the fourth quarter or overtime.

So is this the new normal for Williamson in New Orleans?

“I don’t know yet,” Borrego said flatly.

That uncertainty, however, does not so much reflect reluctance as it reflects Borrego’s broader philosophy that maximize what Zion Williamson can give without forcing minutes, rotations or moments that do not fit into the natural flow of the game.

“Well, I think (Williamson) was fresh to close out the game (in Chicago). He was able to find a rhythm throughout the game without getting the full amount of minutes,” Borrego noted. “He was able to close out the game in a more controlled environment. I didn’t feel rushed to put him back in or jam (Williamson) eight or nine minutes into the fourth quarter. We were able to close it out in a way that kept him fresh and efficient.”

That sense of control has become a recurring theme for the Pelicans throughout this stretch.

Pelicans work Zion Williamson

Instead of chasing momentum with aggressive substitutions or high-usage stretches, Borrego emphasized composure late, confidence and decision-making.

“I thought we had good things down the stretch. I think we were ready; we got the goals we wanted,” Borrego explained. “We weren’t rushed, we weren’t out of control. We talked about it, did some things at the end of the game (in practice). We’re really focused on handling those pressure moments when the pressure is on.”

Those pressure moments are often where games tilt and where discipline is more important than Zaon Williamson’s star power.

“Most times when you watch an NBA game, the energy and the defense picks up in the fourth quarter, right? They play at a certain pace, and there comes a point with four or five minutes left, everybody’s energy and pressure generally picks up,” Borrego said. “Can we stay composed in those moments and still execute our stuff? I think that’s what we’ve been showing over the last few games, is just this purpose, intensity and control to get the shots we want and run our stuff versus dictating that pressure to the defense. I think that’s been an area of ​​growth for us.”

Underlying this whole strategy is a reality that Borrego frankly acknowledges. There is a limit to how much Williamson can play, and the coaching staff works within those limits. By helping his minutes, the Pelicans aim to preserve Williamson’s explosive athleticism for high-leverage situations, potentially reducing wear and tear on his body. Expect that to continue into the New Year.

“There’s a number (of minutes available) that I’m trying to work with,” Borrego admitted. “I’m just trying to increase the number. Williamson has a lot of gold coins that I can use; I just want to be the most efficient with the gold coins that I have. That’s it. Nothing hard. That’s all I have, so right now we’re figuring out the best way to maximize those minutes. If those minutes change, could that change how I allocate those coins.”

Whether this will remain a temporary adjustment or become a long-term role remains to be seen. For now, James Borrego is playing a split hand, and early returners suggest the Pelicans might just be mining a new kind of late-game gold with Zion Williamson.