Zion Williamson is expecting big things out of the Pelicans when the NBA resumes play later this month. Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports

Zion Williamson: 'Special' Pelicans ready 'to make a playoff push'

By Blake Harper | Last updated 7/2/20

The NBA's resumed season is less than a month away and one player everyone cannot wait to see is Pelicans rookie Zion Williamson, who immediately proved to be a high-impact player upon joining the team in January. Last year's No. 1 pick spoke with the media about his expectations heading into Orlando.

"That's a simple answer: trying to make a playoff push and trying to get back into our full game condition, as well," Williamson said when asked about what the Pelicans are hoping for Orlando.

Watch Live: Zion speaks with the media#WontBowDown | @SmoothieKing
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— New Orleans Pelicans (@PelicansNBA) July 2, 2020

New Orleans currently sits 3.5 games behind the Memphis Grizzlies for the eighth seed in the Western Conference and with only eight games left, they will need to make up ground in order to qualify for a play-in situation. Williamson sounded confident in his team's ability to make a playoff push.

"I think this team can be really special when we're all healthy," Williamson said. "It's just a matter of us coming together, fighting those mental battles."

A big part of what makes the team special has been Williamson, who has averaged 23.6 points in his 19 games played for the Pelicans. And after seeing a photo of an extremely muscular Williamson working out, some fans believe he may be even better in Orlando.

Built for this pic.twitter.com/xdB0OMex35
— New Orleans Pelicans (@PelicansNBA) July 2, 2020

Williamson also spoke about what he thinks it will be like to not play in front of fans, acknowledging that it will be a very unique experience.

"It's definitely going to be different," Williamson said. "I love the fans here in New Orleans. They show so much love. They always come out and support us."

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