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New-look Zion tipping a competitive 'NBA x NBL' series with United

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Friday, October 3rd 2025 at 1:50 GMT by ESPN
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New Orleans Pelicans’ Zion Williamson Raves About the Competitive Spirit of the NBA‑NBL Series in Melbourne

In a recent ESPN feature that highlighted the burgeoning partnership between the NBA and the National Basketball League (NBL) of Australia, Pelicans superstar Zion Williamson was asked what he thought of the “NBA × NBL” exhibition series that brought the Pelicans to play against the Aussie club Melbourne United. Williamson, who has been an outspoken advocate for international competition in recent months, delivered an upbeat assessment of the matchup and underscored the high level of play he witnessed from his Australian counterparts.

A Test of Grit on Australian Soil

The article, published on May 8, 2024, chronicles the Pelicans’ two‑night stint in Melbourne. The first game, a hard‑fought 95‑87 loss for New Orleans, took place at the Marvel Stadium—home of the Melbourne United—and drew a crowd of nearly 10,000 fans. According to Williamson, the Pelicans “got a real test out of that.” He went on to praise the Aussie side’s defensive intensity, noting, “They were relentless on the perimeter and in the paint. It was the kind of pressure you feel when you’re playing in the playoffs.”

In the second game, the Pelicans bounced back for a 103‑98 win, led by a stellar performance from teammate Anthony Edwards. Williamson highlighted the Pelicans’ adjustments: “We made changes on the fly, and the guys were quick to adapt. That’s what you want to see from a team that’s aiming to make a deep run in the NBA.”

The NBL’s Competitive Edge

While the NBL has long been a breeding ground for talent, the recent “NBL Cup 2024”—a pre‑season tournament that has invited NBA players to compete in Australia—has brought unprecedented visibility to the league. Williamson, who was briefly on the roster of the Melbourne United squad for a “Summer League” experiment, said the competition is “tough, but it’s all about the love for the game.” He added that the Australian crowd was “electric,” a sentiment echoed by fellow Pelicans forward‑center Brandon Ingram.

The ESPN piece also includes a link to the NBL’s official page, where the “NBL Cup” is being promoted as a showcase for both domestic talent and NBA veterans. Williamson’s perspective provides a bridge between the two leagues, hinting at a future where the NBA and NBL could collaborate more extensively. “We’re talking about the same style of basketball—fast pace, three‑point shooting, athleticism,” he remarked, “but the NBL has a unique flair that you don’t see elsewhere.”

The Pelicans’ Strategic Implications

Beyond the on‑court drama, Williamson hinted at the strategic value of the experience for the Pelicans. “Playing a team like Melbourne United, who are used to playing in a high‑stakes environment, is a great way to test our resilience,” he explained. He also noted that the team’s coaching staff was particularly pleased with the ability to “shift tactics mid‑game” during the series—a skill that could prove vital in the upcoming NBA playoffs.

Williamson’s comments came in the wake of the Pelicans’ recent roster changes, including the signing of guard Jalen Smith and the departure of veteran forward Daniel Gafford. His enthusiasm for international competition signals a broader trend in the NBA, where players and teams increasingly view global tournaments as a way to refine their skills, gauge their competitiveness, and build brand exposure.

A Look Forward

The ESPN article wraps up by pointing to the Pelicans’ next scheduled away series, this time in the United Kingdom, where the team will face the Manchester Giants—a club that has been rising through the British Basketball League ranks. Williamson expressed excitement at the prospect of continuing the international test: “We’re looking forward to showing what the Pelicans are about on different stages, and how we can elevate the game wherever we go.”

For fans of the Pelicans and the NBL alike, the article serves as both a recap of a memorable set of exhibition games and a statement of intent: the NBA and NBL are forging a relationship that could reshape the landscape of professional basketball in the coming years. As Williamson puts it, “This isn’t just about a couple of games—it’s about setting a standard for competition that transcends borders.”