What to expect from New Orleans Pelicans rookie Zion Williamson early on

Defense

Most rookies have a tough time on defense, but that will be where Zion Williamson translates most easily. He’s strong enough to not get bullied and quick enough laterally to stay with most non-guards.

He’s a defensive playmaking beast, no doubt about it. There will be highlight-reel blocks and he’ll pick someone’s pocket on the way to an open-floor slam. Where he may face some roadblocks would be where most youngsters do.

Point-of-attack guards like James Harden and Damian Lillard will take their cracks at him, putting him through screens and making him stay in front of them with minimal help. Williamson has not only the physical tools to keep up with most players, but also the strength to absorb contact.

Purely on stock numbers (steals plus blocks) Zion will impact that side of the ball positively. There will also be instances that don’t show up on the stat sheet where he locks someone up. Off the ball, though, there may be some growing pains for him as he learns the proper timing and positioning on rotations.

There may be some instances where coach Alvin Gentry sticks Zion at the 5 and those should be welcomed. They won’t be pretty right away, because so much goes into defensive positioning at center that he has to learn, but they will be fun to watch because he can bang with most bigs.

The large majority of young players struggle with all of this, but for many reasons, Williamson should not be treated like the typical newbie. He’s going to make an impact from day one defensively, so long as he stays out of foul trouble.