Is Zion the answer?

(Rich Pedroncelli — AP Photos)

I’ll save you some time: Zion is not the Pelicans savior.

As most of us know, Zion Williamson was drafted first overall in the 2019 NBA draft to the New Orleans Pelicans. It was hard to miss thanks to ESPN worshipping his every move dating back to his high school days. 

I remember going on Instagram and seeing him dominate the Ball is Life page with his posters on skinny white kids. I’m not diminishing his athletic ability whatsoever, but how long can a human body withstand that force?

Zion is 6’6 and 280 lbs. Name me one other basketball player besides Shaq or Shawn Kemp who compare to Zion’s build. Gronk is 6’ 6” and he had to retire for 2 years to give his body some rest. Sure, they are different sports, but the constant contact of people will certainly contribute to the wear and tear on his knees. 

The way I see it, Zion is just a buffer Giannis Antetokounmpo. The Greek Freak doesn’t really shoot threes or midrange shots too often; he just bullies his way to the basket. They do share a couple things in common while they are on the court. Both really don’t like to dribble the ball when they get it and they like to dunk the ball. Now before you get on my back, actually watch Giannis go dunk a basketball when nobody is guarding him. He’ll take maybe 4 steps and 1 dribble once he passes halfcourt. Typical NBA allowing the stars to bend the rules.

As of January 15th 2021, he’s shooting at a 56 percent field goal percentage. That’s not bad but it’s certainly not worthy of being considered a rising star of the league. One more thing to mention is that the Pelicans are paying him $10 million as a rookie. I’m not one to shame people for getting as much money as possible because a career can end at any moment, but this seems a bit excessive.  

Maybe I’m being a hater, but he never wowed me at Duke. The only thing I remember from his time was when he broke his Nike trying to plant himself. It seems like the Blue Devils were soft with Zion because he had a golden ticket NBA opportunity in front of him.

Not to mention, Zion walks like a constipated duck. These things can’t go unnoticed people.

It might not be a popular take, but I don’t think Mr. Williamson will ever hear his name called for MVP on awards night.

All power to Zion if he proves me wrong, but the media needs to slow their roll.