Zion Williamson has been the most highly-anticipated rookie in the NBA since LeBron James. Known for his powerful dunks and drive to win during his time at Duke, Williamson has drawn a lot of media and fan attention. But is the NBA taking too big of a risk to showcase the 19-year-old phenom?
In the 2019-20 season, the New Orleans Pelicans will be featured in a franchise-record 30 nationally televised games. While many are excited to see Zion play in over one-third of his scheduled games, the NBA is rolling the dice in such a way that could hurt them very easily.
Will Zion and Pelicans Struggle?
It is no secret that Zion has already had his fair share of injuries. We all remember when he busted through his shoe against North Carolina during his lone year at Duke. Many also know that Zion also missed nearly all of Summer League after he bruised his left knee.
A weakness of Zion’s game is his three-point shooting. At Duke, Zion converted just 33.8 percent of his three-point attempts. In a league that requires almost every player to be able to shoot, Zion could find his play style at odds with the way the league plays.
The New Orleans Pelicans went just 33-49 last season and now enter this year with a brand new roster, after they traded away Anthony Davis for Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram, among others. If Zion Williamson experiences issues with either his health, game or both, the Pelicans could pollute nationally televised games all season with 30 games featuring a team that could easily end the season as a lottery team.
