Jrue Holiday has established himself as one of the toughest defenders in the NBA. He has been a top vote-getter for the Defensive Player of the Year award over the past four seasons, coming in at No. 6 last year. So it should come as no surprise that during his P with Paul George podcast, Holiday gave a nod to New Orleans Pelicans superstar Zion Williamson, who advises that, among other things, he needs to improve his defensive game.

“I think Zion is one of the most talented players I’ve ever seen. Athletic ability, how he can get from people to the rim and I feel like sometimes it comes down to the fit and maybe I don’t know if they need to adjust the fit to him down there or maybe slip out and a different one Must have fit someone else. But I feel like he needs a change somehow because he’s promising, bro.

“At least when I had him as a rookie, it was amazing; That’s exactly what he was capable of. They talk about the weight gain and all that, but I still saw him over the edge at 280, 290.”

Holiday further discussed how he would influence Williamson if he were his coach.

“On the one hand, I would let him play a little more defense. This is not a blow to him. I think that would make him the talent he is. It would improve his game. Offensively, I think he’s got it; I think he’s doing what he’s supposed to do.

“I think that his game to other people is that he gets to the rim and the free throw line, but I think if he challenges himself defensively and his teammates would see that, then I feel like they would give him would follow.”

Now in his sixth season, Williamson has only played six games this year. The latest NBA rumors are circulating that Williamson will be replaced early.

Pelicans have to blow everything up

At 4:17, it’s time for the New Orleans Pelicans to hit the reset button. As injuries have derailed Williamson’s career, they will also limit the power forward’s trade value, according to Michael Scotto of Hoops Hype.

In Brett Siegel’s latest NBA Power Rankings, New Orleans is down one spot at No. 29.

“The New Orleans Pelicans have lost eight games in a row. Even with the returns of Dejounte Murray and CJ McCollum, the Pelicans don’t appear to be a threat, looking like a team whose souls have been ripped from their bodies.

“Ultimately, the Pelicans look unimpressed and lack the intensity needed to win in this league. At 4-17, it’s not impossible for them to turn things around and become a play-in team in the Western Conference, but the Pelicans don’t seem to want to fight anymore.”

The Pelicans are in Atlanta to take on the Hawks on Monday at 7:30 p.m. EST.