How ‘proud’ James Borrego rates Zion Williamson’s current buy-in factor

Availability has long been a clouding variable Zion Williamson‘s ceiling. Fortunately, the two-time All-Star has been showing up and stepping up more and more recently. James Borrego believes that it speaks of something far beyond the framework results. As it is Stuck New Orleans Pelicans prepared for LaMelo Ball’s Charlotte Hornets, which was adjusted for early afternoon due to the weather, the interim head coach highlighted a significant range of availability.

It should have been take more than a blizzard to keep Williamson out of the starting lineup for the 26th straight game of his career.

“I think after tonight’s games it will be the most consecutive games of his career. You know there’s something to it,” Borrego began. “That tells me he appreciates it, wants to be here, likes it here and loves his team.”

Inside the building, that part is viewed less as a statistic and more as evidence of professional alignment. The milestone marks a significant shift for the 25-year-old forward, who has historically struggled with injuries, missing 56% of games to this point in his career. It’s something the Pelicans have been planning since Joe Dumars took over last summer.

“I’m very proud of (Williamson),” Borrego added. “His maturity, obviously, starts in the offseason in taking care of his body. He’s got a lot of pride out there and working on his mind and his body. That’s the first thing.”

The Pelicans suffered through a nightmare in the first 20 games. Still, they emphasized process over outcome during Borrego’s interim tenure, and Williamson’s offseason discipline translated into a steadier presence during the season. Payment also seeped into the team’s everyday environment.

“I saw maturity and leadership,” Borrego noted. “(Williamson) appreciates every day he walks in the gym. He wants to get better. He loves his teammates. He loves his city and he just wants to turn this around. He wants to be a winner. I see that focus and that drive right now. Every morning, he gets up and works. He’s been very consistent this year. He’s been very consistent this year. He’s been getting better for me. He’s pushing me to be better, and hopefully I’m doing the same thing.”

This is the real buying factor. It’s more than just showing up; it’s about setting the tone that elevates the entire organization. Zion Williamson entersstepping up and through his renewed commitment, he is writing the most memorable chapter of his career to date, rather than standing on the sidelines. It’s no secret that in the middle of this big stretch, the Pelicans seem content to stick with their All-Star streak NBA trade deadline likewise.

So for now, James Borrego is simply grateful to witness and benefit from the growth of one of basketball’s most talented young stars. After all, there were many small victories to be proud of.