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

Overall

Offense and defense are not weighted the same, but Zion Williamson is set to impact the game positively on both ends right away. His defensive numbers will be eye-popping on some nights; a 10-stock game isn’t out of the question for him.

Offensively he might struggle in the half court, but the New Orlenas Pelicans have shooters and playmakers around him to make his life easier. The toughest adjustment will be his coexistence with Brandon Ingram, who is averaging a prolific 25.8 points a night on an impressive 60.2 percent true shooting clip.

A presence like Zion should help the fifth-worst defense at least somewhat and his ability to make plays and run the transition game should generate easy buckets for the 20th-ranked offense. And though Ingram doesn’t seem overworked, it can’t hurt to have another pick-and-roll partner, especially one closer to his build.

Few teams have the personnel to switch Ingram and Williamson matchups effectively.

Zion never seemed like the guy who sucked up possessions; he scored a ton in high school and college because he was a monster and those were often the best outcomes for his teams.

He won’t be asked to do everything thanks to Ingram, has J.J. Redick, E’Twaun Moore and Josh Hart to spread the floor, has Jaxson Hayes and Lonzo Ball to run the floor with him and can turn to Jrue Holiday and Nickeil Alexander-Walker to set him up.

As long as Williamson stays within himself and makes the right plays, he can help the Pelicans push for a playoff berth.