Sep 23, 2025; Metairie, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (1) takes part in media day at Ochsner Sports Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Hinton-Imagn Images

'There’s No Restriction on Him' – New Orleans Pelicans Star Gets Ultimate Green Light From Head Coach

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Jordan Samar | Last updated Oct 21, 2025 7:22 AM ET

New Orleans Pelicans head coach Willie Green plans to unleash Zion Williamson this season after the former Duke forward underwent a drastic body transformation this summer.

In the past, the New Orleans Pelicans have often placed Williamson under minutes restrictions to manage his load because of his injury history. However, Green said this won’t be the case this time, as he has high hopes for the former first overall pick.

“Right now, he’s good to go. That’s our focus, he’s good to go, and we want to get him on the floor,” Green said about Williamson via the Pelicans Film Room on X (formerly known as Twitter). “There is no restriction on him. As long as he’s feeling great and doing what he’s supposed to do, we’ll continue to monitor him.”

Sep 23, 2025; Metairie, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (1) takes part in media day at Ochsner Sports Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Hinton-Imagn Images

Williamson only played 30 regular season games last campaign due to various injuries. He averaged 24.6 points, 7.2 rebounds, 5.3 assists, and 1.2 steals on 56.7 percent shooting from the field.

New Orleans Pelicans News: Former NBA MVP not sold on Zion Williamson’s offseason weight loss

Zion Williamson’s body transformation may have hyped up a bunch of NBA fans this summer. However, Steve Nash believes that New Orleans Pelicans supporters must temper their expectations on the 25-year-old forward.

Jan 25, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (1) brings the ball up court against the Charlotte Hornets at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Kinser-Imagn Images

“A lot more will depend on Zion, a guy who we’re not even sure, like, he’s lost the weight, and he’s come in, and we think he’s in a position to come in and succeed and do well this year,” Nash said on the Zach Lowe Show.

“That’ll be a lot of pressure on him, and those tires have worn out quickly in the past. A little bit concerned as you are,” he added.