New Orleans Pelicans: 5 reasons to be excited for 2019-20 NBA season

Zion Williamson

There is no better way to start a rebuild than by getting the first overall draft pick and using it to draft a generational talent such as Zion Williamson. There have been highlights of him floating around social media since his was a freshman in high school and even then the kid looked special.

Heading into college many thought his stock may drop, that maybe playing against other top tier young talents would expose him. Expose him it did — but not in a negative way. Instead Zion continued to show his exceptional skill level.

More than just a dunk artist, Zion showcased an all-around game. A quick look on Synergy will show you that he ranked as excellent in almost every measurable statistic and play-type available. Quite simply put, he took the college game by storm, scoring at will and blocking shots for his own amusement.

To finish the year Zion had posted stats of 22.6 points, 8.9 rebounds and 2.1 assists. Finishing his one-and-done collegiate career as a 68 percent field goal shooter, 33.8 percent 3-point shooter and a 64 percent shooter from the line.

The only lesson here is that Zion will need to improve his ability to score from the charity stripe so that he can further punish opposing defenses.

Menacing when running down hill, the 6’7″ 285-pound forward was punishing in transition, scoring 133 points in 98 transition possessions for Duke. Looking ahead to his inaugural NBA season, comparisons begin to get drawn between Zion and LeBron James.

While different players with differing skills sets, they both enter the league having dominated everything in their path at the junior levels.

The interesting part now will be to see if Zion can replicate his dominant success at the NBA level. He has a team which has been redesigned over the summer to accentuate his talents while covering his weaknesses (if there are any). It’s going to be one heck of a season, with its own ups-and-downs but this team is built to contend in over the next few years.

Until then, all we can do is sit back and enjoy the show.