“When I’m going up the lane, I don’t expect anyone to get out the way.”
Quick-thinking Phoenix media staffers filmed Williamson watching the video after the session, but his true response will come in front of sellout crowds at RLA this weekend.
Pelicans coach Willie Green played his cards close to his chest on how much court time Williamson will see over the two games in Melbourne, but Williamson laughed as he hinted at giving the fans a highlight dunk.
“We are looking to go out there, compete, and just have a good time. As far as what I am going to do, if I get a fast break I might have fun with it, or might just lay it in. We don’t know,” Williamson said.
Pelicans coach Willie Green and Zion Williamson on Wednesday.Credit: Eddie Jim
NBL owner Larry Kestelman revelled in bringing an NBA team to the Australia for the first time – the two games selling out within hours. Victoria’s sports, tourism and major events minister Steve Dimopoulos defended the state’s spending on major events after bringing the NHL to Melbourne last year, the NBA this year, and the NFL in 2026.
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Dimopoulos said the state’s return from major events was growing, but he wouldn’t reveal what was spent on individual events as it would give opposing countries the upper hand in bidding for future events.
Dimopoulos was told Abu Dhabi had reportedly spent US$50 million on bringing two NBA teams to their shores. Asked if Victoria had spent over or under US$25m for the Pelicans, the minister hinted it was under that amount.
“I’m very tempted [to comment] because it is a very good news story, but I’m not gonna say anything other than what I’ve said,” Dimopoulos said.
“Which is, everything we put forward in the major events category and spending is absolutely an enormous return on investment, from Beetlejuice the musical to the NBA and the NFL – it’s an extraordinary return.”
While the NBL’s talent level has jumped substantially in recent years, and the league has sent a number of players to the NBA, their “soft” salary cap is $2.03m per team, plus higher wages for major signings. The Pelicans’ NBA salary cap, meanwhile, currently sits at $233 million.
Melbourne United’s Dash Daniels (No. 4) pulls in a rebound.Credit: Getty Images
Melbourne United guard Dash Daniels, 17, is the younger brother of Aussie NBA star Dyson. He was described by Williamson as having extraordinary defensive skills despite his age – the younger Daniels could be in the NBA as early as next year.
Dash Daniels was also at CourtSide on Wednesday for an extra training session after completing United’s team training earlier in the day.
The first overall pick from the 2019 NBA draft, Williamson arrives in Australia with a point to prove. He averaged 24.6 points per game last season but managed only 30 of a possible 82 games. That was the fourth time in six seasons he has played 30 games or fewer because of injury and personal issues.
“It means a lot for my game,” Williamson said of his new and improved physique.
“I am able to stay on the court longer, all of my movements are faster and swifter, and I have said it a couple of times in my press conferences last season, honestly, it just feels good to feel good. I feel really good.”
Zion Williamson hard at work during training on WednesdayCredit: Eddie Jim
The Pelicans have strong roster with NBA title winners Jordan Poole and Kevon Looney joining after playing in the Golden State Warriors’ championship win in 2021-2022, while athletic wings Herb Jones and Trey Murphy III are both rising stars.
Traditionally, NBA teams rotate their players during the pre-season, so how much fans see of the Pelicans’ big stars will be decided by Green, and by just how competitive Melbourne United or South East Melbourne Phoenix are.
Pelicans star Jordan Poole at training on Wednesday.Credit: Getty Images
United almost upset the Oklahoma City Thunder during a pre-season game in 2017. During that clash, the Thunder’s stars played far more minutes than expected to avoid losing to the NBL side.
The Pelicans went 21-61 last season, finishing 14th in a loaded western conference, and missed the play-offs for the fifth time in the past seven seasons.
Williamson is yet to feature in a play-off game – the Pelicans advancing twice into the post-season when he was hurt.
Detroit Pistons legend Joe Dumars, the Pelicans’ new executive vice president of basketball operations, has vowed to hold Williamson to account this season, something the former Duke star has endorsed in a bid to show greater discipline, leadership and commitment, and potentially greatness.
Dumars spoke briefly on Wednesday, stating the flight to Australia didn’t feel as long as expected, and his team was excited for the two games to come.
United import Milton Doyle, who previously played in the NBA with the Brooklyn Nets, is keen to test himself against the Pelicans on Friday night, but he is also awaiting the birth of a baby girl and his partner is due any day.
“There is nothing I can do about that – I’m just waiting to see but, hopefully, she stays in there for a little bit,” Doyle said.
