NBA Future Watch: Zion Williamson Basketball Cards, Pelicans – Zion Williamson says that he will return during the Pelicans’ playoff run. Whether the comeback happens now or in the fall, Williamson’s presence on a New Orleans roster that has improved in his absence will bring much excitement back to the NBA.
Possessed of a freakish, Charles Barkley-like physique and skill set, Williamson first tantalized the public imagination in his high school career with viral videos of his powerful slam dunks. But with Williamson, the fascination has always involved both the steak and the sizzle, and he led the way to three consecutive state championships. Individual honors were bestowed as well, such as South Carolina Mr. Basketball and McDonald’s All-American status.
A five-star recruit in 2018, Williamson was one of the most coveted players in recent memory, having been on the radar for many years due to a very early start on the AAU circuit. Additionally, Williamson established himself as a point guard before his growth spurt, providing playmaking big man skills in a game increasingly craving them.
Duke, Williamson announced his presence with his trademark authority with 28 points in 23 minutes against Kentucky at the Champions Classic. Williamson posted video game numbers throughout his freshman season leading up to the ultimate, albeit unfortunate, viral moment: a severe knee sprain on national TV suffered from planting his foot and blowing clean through his sneaker. It was yet another reminder of the anomaly, the agony, and the ecstasy, of the powerful frame: capable of exerting dominance on any opponent, yet necessitating Williamson’s own body to deal with the violence generated by its motions.
Characteristically, Williamson returned with a bang in the ACC Tournament Quarterfinals, making all 13 shots from the field — en route to 29 points and 14 rebounds — notching the best mark in Duke and tournament history. Continuing that roll throughout March, Williamson won the conference tournament MVP honors and helped the Blue Devils to reach the Elite Eight. Always in great company statistically, Williamson became only the third freshman ever with 500 points, 50 steals and 50 blocks in a season, joining Kevin Durant and Anthony Davis.
Davis moving to the Lakers, Williamson took the torch as the face of New Orleans when they selected him with the top pick in the 2019 NBA Draft. A meniscus injury delayed Williamson’s debut to January 22 with another spectacular effort: 22 points and seven rebounds. Williamson would go on to become the highest-scoring rookie in his first 24 games since Michael Jordan 35 years earlier and earn NBA All-Rookie First Team designation.
By several metrics, Williamson continued to establish himself as one of the game’s best-ever scorers in terms of PPG and FG% in his second season and played in the All-Star Game. From there, complications from a broken foot kept Williamson out of Year Three. As with many powerful big men, staying on the court remains the last hurdle for Williamson to surmount, but the career posted by Joel Embiid since he made that happen points to Williamson’s immense possibilities over the next several seasons.
NBA Future Watch: Zion Williamson Basketball Cards, Pelicans – Stats
NBA Future Watch: Zion Williamson Basketball Cards, Pelicans – More Resources
- NBA.com Player Profile
- Secondary Market Pricing
- Zion Williamson – Twitter
- Zion Williamson – Instagram
NBA Future Watch: Zion Williamson Basketball Cards, Pelicans – Image Gallery
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