NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Zion Williamson's offseason work ethic and the healthy returns of Herb Jones and Trey Murphy III have Joe Dumars sounding optimistic as the Pelicans prepare to open training camp this week.

Dumars is getting a first look at his new team following a 21-61 season in which Williamson missed 52 games, Jones missed most of the season and Murphy was lost in March.

The former NBA headquarters executive was hired to replace Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations David Griffin during the offseason.

With Williamson, a high-flying talent who has struggled to stay on the court, at the Pelicans' core, Dumars wants to make sure priorities are in the right place.

“Let me set the expectations for you right now, so there’s no misunderstanding," he recalled saying in a me

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