“My mindset from getting respect from the rest of the NBA is we got to win,” Williamson said. Now I can read the defense and get into the flow. 2 Duke Blue Devils take on then-No. Wenyen Gabriel #32. Although limited play from New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson this season likely hindered his … Zion Williamson #1. By Williamson assuming that role, the Pelicans’ floor spacing has opened and their paint has become less clogged. “When you win, you earn respect because the work is there and the record is there. His past 5 games:29 Pts, 6 Reb28 Pts, 7 Reb25 Pts, 4 Reb32 Pts, 6 Reb31 Pts, 9 Reb pic.twitter.com/v3XRzAl8Bz. "There was some times we tried to foul him when he got by us and had an easy layup or dunk and he made free throws, so he's going to continue to get better and better, obviously, this is his first year, they're fighting for a spot, but as time goes on, he gets more experience with the game, he'll be fine. I never want to let my teammates down. Bron vs. Zion: (via @NBAonTNT) pic.twitter.com/rBLsl4R8h4, Zion's been living up to the hype. New Orleans Pelicans first round draft pick Zion Williamson lets out a fake yell during a photo shoot during their NBA basketball media day in Metairie, La., Monday, Sept. 30, 2019. These comparisons aren’t about potential, though, so much as they are about Williamson's style of play. The New Orleans Pelicans could be down three starters once again on Sunday as they take on the Rockets. The Pelicans then fired coach Alvin Gentry. In a matchup labeled by some as the NBA’s past — LeBron James — vs. the future — Zion Williamson — James reminded the league that he is the present. (CNN)There have been very few basketball prospects who have entered the NBA accompanied by as much excitement as when LeBron James was drafted in 2003. Ronnie Flores June 17, 2019 No Comments anthony davis ballislife podcast In The Paint podcast Kawhi Leonard lakers lebron … In only his second NBA season, the early reads suggest that Zion Williamson has mirrored a different path to stardom than LeBron James. Will Magnay #25. “The thing that jumps out for me is him realizing the amount of work he had to put in and more importantly the amount of work he had to put in to set the example for everybody else,” said Malone, who joined the Cavs’ coaching staff during James’ third season. “Just playing four minutes in this quarter and four minutes here, it was kind of tough to get into a flow. That is because Williamson will become much better than any of those players. By Ben Morse, CNN. 1 overall pick Zion Williamson and the No. "But in today's game, where it's a track race, it's fast paced, high tempo, it fits his game perfectly and the way that they play fits his game perfectly cause in the first eight seconds, they're trying to score and score and score. You just keep moving ahead.”. Brandon Ingram #14. ", "He's playing exceptional basketball," James. Zion Williamson has approval from the King. We all know that and every game is going to be another opportunity for him to get better, a learning experience for him," the 35-year-old James told. But in only his second NBA season, the early reads suggest that Williamson has mirrored a different path than James. Updated 1414 GMT (2214 HKT) February 26, 2020. Still, do not view these issues as red flags. Williamson scored at least 20 points in 21 consecutive games and 51 times overall during his first 60 career NBA games, something no one has done in the NBA since Michael Jordan. Williamson missed nine days during the NBA season restart in the bubble because of what he called “an urgent family matter.” His absence contributed to the Pelicans’ inconsistency and missed playoff appearance. Full … Sure, Williamson and James have enough strength and size to make their opponents feel like speed bumps anytime they try to stop them. NBAE via Getty Images (2) And after the pair's first NBA clash -- in which James' Los Angeles Lakers won 118-109 -- the 17-year veteran heaped praise on the 19-year-old. Following a dominant freshman-year stint with the Duke Blue Devils, Williamson was selected by the Pelicans with the first overall pick in the 2019 NBA draft. “That’s really hard for Zion and it was really hard for Alvin Gentry,” Denver Nuggets coach Michael Malone said. Similar to LeBron James, Zion Williamson earned pseudo-celebrity status as a high school student because of his basketball prowess—but the comparison end there. The Lakers had played New Orleans twice already this season, winning both while Williamson recovered from surgery on October 21. Van Gundy has reported Williamson showing improvement on defense both in effort and awareness. ————————— My mindset with that is to try to help my team win.”. As New Orleans center Steven Adams observed, “there’s no one like him in the league.”, “Zion is great,” Pelicans coach Stan Van Gundy said. Granted, Williamson remains far from a finished product. Williamson devoted most of his offseason last year toward improving his strength and conditioning, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. Williamson has averaged more minutes per game this season (32.7) than last season (27.8) when the Pelicans limited his workload. Van Gundy praised Williamson for encouraging teammates on the court and behind the scenes. James also had that mindset during his NBA career, even when he missed the playoffs during his first two seasons with the Cleveland Cavaliers. Then he faced a minutes restriction that entailed the Pelicans medical and coaching staff ensuring that Williamson played in only short bursts. “He’s developing as a playmaker. “My teammates trust in me to go out there and be who I am and try to make the right play,” New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson said. Should Williamson maintain his league-leading 19.4 points per game in the paint, he would become the first NBA player to average such numbers since O’Neal did during the 2002-03 season. Zion Williamson can be face of NBA from right here in New Orleans . “I’m able to read the defense a lot longer in the game than my rookie year where I’m playing four minutes here and that’s it,” Williamson said. New ... LeBron’s appeals intensified during a late-season Wizards win in which Hughes scored 31 to … “You’re coaching this phenomenal talent with so much potential that needs to get acclimated to the speed of the NBA game. James scored a season-high 40 points, helping the Lakers to its sixth straight win and maintaining its five-game advantage over the Denver Nuggets atop the Western Conference. He has the size of a big man. Following a summer of hype and anticipation, fans were forced to wait for Williamson to make his NBA debut after a knee injury sustained in the last pre-season game required surgery. Yet, it would be a stretch to say that Williamson will develop into the same kind of player that James has become. New Orleans Pelicans star Zion Williamson broke LeBron James and Luka Donic’s shared record of scoring 21 straight 20-point games on Tuesday … Then I have more time in the game.”. But the doctors are saying, ‘You can only play him this much.’ This year, obviously, those restrictions are gone and Zion is literally wreaking havoc on the NBA.”. Yet, Van Gundy rightfully pointed to Williamson’s improved health as “probably the biggest reason for his development.” Williamson has missed only two games because of the NBA’s health and safety protocols and a minor right toe injury. Though both James and Williamson excel as playmakers, the Pelicans have given Williamson increased ball-handling responsibilities while the Lakers have sought to reduce those duties for James. LeBron James: Zion Plays With ‘Infectious’ Energy Since returning in late January from a knee injury , Williamson has helped turn things around in New Orleans. JUST WATCHED Zion Williamson… Check out Zion Williamson, Chandler Lindsey, and Kyle Tracy lead Spartanburg Day to the SCISA Conference Championship over Oakbrook Prep tonight 105-49. ", Utah Jazz players speak about plane scare: 'This might really be the end', The Strongman Marathon: 26.2 grueling miles of various exercises, Türkgücü Munich: The team battling the far-right on its way to the Bundesliga, Thierry Henry tells CNN why he quit social media: 'It's not a safe place', Tiger Hood: The fascinating New York street golfer. ", Williamson reciprocated James' praise, describing the four-time Most Valuable Player "an incredible player. He also receives the most joy when he empowers those around him. But even though he averaged 22.5 points on 58.3 percent shooting along with 6.3 rebounds and 2.1 assists during his rookie season, Williamson remained limited because of varying circumstances. Zion Williamson Ja Morant Brandon Ingram LeBron James Lonzo Ball + Lonzo Ball Anthony Davis Josh Hart Kawhi Leonard RJ Barrett. The trio of Brandon Ingram, Lonzo Ball and Zion Williamson are all listed as questionable. Naji Marshall #8. Updated 1414 GMT (2214 HKT) February 26, 2020 . The New Orleans Pelicans defeated a LeBron-less Los Angeles Lakers, 128-111, with Zion Williamson scoring 27 points and making 9 rebounds. There is enough body of work, though, to analyze. "But the kid is special, and they've got a good one in him.". He can dominate against almost any opponent. While James has thrived as mostly a small forward, Williamson has thrived as a power forward. All of that’s good, but it takes time. LeBron James (l.) and Zion Williamson (r.) will play against the Knicks at MSG during the second half of the NBA schedule. But I saw a change from a guy that was a really talented player that worked hard and becoming a guy that was consumed by the game and had drive to be the best. James' teammate Anthony Davis echoed his praise. LeBron James was on hand in Charlottesville, Virginia last weekend to watch potential No. He made the All-Star game in just his second season, and he’s averaging 26.4 points per game while shooting 62.4% from the field. Should Williamson maintain his averages in points (25.7 points) and field-goal percentage (62.1%), he would join Wilt Chamberlain, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Kevin McHale to post such numbers in a single season. “He always was a hard worker. Zion Williamson is shaking up the NBA, breaking rims, ruling the paint, where he scores more points than anyone since prime Shaquille O’Neal. He missed the first 44 games while rehabbing his surgically repaired right knee. LeBron James calls Zion Williamson 'special' after pair's first clash. Although his conditioning looks sharper, Williamson still has more rust and some weight to shed off of his 6-foot-7, 284-pound fame. Part of that could be attributed to Van Gundy eventually featuring Williamson in an increased playmaking role. With their varying skillsets, James averaged better numbers than Williamson during their respective second NBA seasons in points (27.2, 22.5), rebounds (7.4, 7.0) and assists (7.2, 3.4). You'll be surprised, Sam Holness hopes to use autism 'superpower' at Ironman World Championship, Colin Allred: 'Never seen anything like' Capitol insurrection, Steve Kerr calls for tougher gun control measures following Boulder shooting, READ: The Black Mamba may be gone but the mentality that made him a legend lives on, Sabrina Ionescu makes history just hours after speaking at the memorial for Kobe and Gianna Bryant, Visit CNN.com/sport for more news, features, and videos. New Orleans Pelicans star Zion Williamson continues to live up to the hype, this time joining Luka Doncic and LeBron James for a young blood record. Zion Williamson and LeBron James are facing off for the second time in five days, as the New Orleans Pelicans are hosting the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday night in what very well could be a … Ex-Manchester United star looks to help the homeless, How Valentino Dixon's golf art saved him from a life in prison, Thierry Henry on taking the knee in sport, Watch Roberto Martinez say it would be a 'big mistake' to boycott Qatar 2022, Sister Jean yells at who during NCAA games?! The state tournament starts this weekend as they play Saturday at the Sumter Civic Center. Sole Collector - Jordan Z Code reportedly debuting this month. Williamson has evoked more appropriate comparisons to Charles Barkley and Larry Johnson. But James was full of praise for Williamson after the win, referring to him as "very explosive" and "very quick for his size. But despite his excellent form, Williamson was outshone by the old-timer Tuesday. Zion Williamson vs. LeBron James • Tuesday, Feb. 25 (10 ET, TNT) Last regular season meeting: Haven’t met yet. He’s working on his shooting. Williamson also has maximized his driving abilities when he has the ball and his cutting when he doesn’t. Given how Nike has Zion-ized the Kyrie sneakers he’s worn post-injury, it’s reasonable to assume that these LeBron 10s have been designed to Williamson’s preferred specifications as well. Williamson devoted most of his offseason last year toward improving his strength and conditioning. He notched another 29 points against the Lakers Tuesday night, his fifth straight 25-point game, and is now tied with Luka Doncic (2018-19) and Carmelo Anthony (2003-04) for the longest streak by a teenager in NBA history, according to the. After being eased into action by head coach Alvin Gentry, the rookie has been on a tear of late. Williamson scored 36, Lindsey registered 26, Tracy finished with 21 points. For 18 NBA seasons, James has collected four NBA championships, four Finals MVP’s and four regular-season MVPs by mastering all of those qualities. I don’t think you can say, ‘Okay, after the season we’re going to get this and then next year we’re going to get this.' Ball has missed the most time of the three with a strained right hip flexor. Zion Williamson entered the league with arguably more hype than any rookie since LeBron James, and he has lived up to the billing. Though both can attack the rim with force, James mostly does that on fast-break opportunities while Williamson so does any chance he can. I don’t know. And the Pelicans are ranked 11th in the Western Conference, as opposed to the playoff contender they expected to be. The NBA star has defied conventional wisdom with his ability to master qualities that few players can do. Wes Iwundu #4. It could go slower. NBA Zion Williamson, Pelicans Cruise Past LeBron James-Less Lakers in Easy Win Blake Schuster Senior Analyst III March 24, 2021 Comments That’s pretty remarkable for someone who hasn’t even turned 21 years old yet. Sure, both entered the NBA as hyped rookies and backed up that buzz with actual substance. So I always try to hunt for the best shot and hunt for the best play.”. That was showing up early, being late, practicing.”. He also does not appear equipped to guard the NBA’s elite big men. Zion Lateef Williamson (born July 6, 2000) is an American professional basketball player for the New Orleans Pelicans of the National Basketball Association (NBA). Williamson became the second-fastest player behind Shaquille O’Neal to score 1,000 career points in 43 games, a feat that took longer for Allen Iverson (45), Joel Embiid (48) and James (49) to reach. 3 Virginia. LeBron James complimented the rookie top overall pick after his Los Angeles Lakers defeated Williamson's … He also has point-guard skills. But even if Williamson does not have the same game as James, he has the necessary drive and mindset to become special in his own way. "The kid's special. 1. "It was fun, he's a great player, he's got a quick first step, very explosive," Davis said. It could go faster. “But ultimately, I think it’s the confidence level. Last year, one scout told me he viewed Williamson as “a more polished Julius Randle,” and that was before Randle became an All-Star. Zion Williamson is off to a fast – and forceful – start to his NBA career. The former Duke sensation earned comparisons with James due to their similarities in physicality, explosiveness and effectiveness. That sounds like something Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James would say and do. Williamson appears on track toward becoming the NBA’s next generational star simply by being himself. Follow USA TODAY NBA writer Mark Medina on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. Van Gundy has told Williamson to improve his defense and observed that would “tend to relax” off the ball and subsequently arrive late on a close out or a cut. James Johnson #16. Williamson has moved ahead rather quickly. Williamson offered promising signs his rookie season after the Pelicans drafted him at No. Ferrari: After its worst season in years, can team bounce back in 2021? And sure, Williamson and James have so much talent and positional versatility that coaches have varying ideas on how best to utilize their strengths. In the New Orleans Pelicans' 128-111 win over the Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday, they weren't able to showcase those differences since James remains sidelined indefinitely with a high right ankle sprain. The Lakers All-Star put up a strong outing with a season-high 40 points along with eight rebounds and six assists that included knocking down five 3-pointers. Williamson comes off the court after his shoe falls off. Zion Williamson joins the likes of LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, and Magic Johnson as he makes history with his first ever All-Star nomination. Before Charlotte Hornets played Milwaukee Bucks, owner Jordan did media, where he was asked about former Duke star Zion Williamson’s NBA debut, comparisons to LeBron … He has shown an improvement in assists from December (1.0) and January (2.8) compared to February (4.5) and March (3.6). Zion Williamson, LeBron James show out For the first time in their respective career, James and Williamson faced off against each, and it saw the stars come to play on Tuesday night. Amid NBA coronavirus shutdown, Zion Williamson's generosity shows why New Orleans is in great hands The 19-year-old rookie was one of the first … He plays the power forward position. © 2021 USA TODAY, a division of Gannett Satellite Information Network, LLC. Time will tell if Williamson can master those same qualities. The Pelicans’ issues have more to do with the need to upgrade their roster to complement Williamson and Brandon Ingram.
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