An anonymous general manager says Zion Williamson is already a “top five asset” in the NBA, according to Tom Haberstroh of NBC Sports.

The New Orleans Pelicans won the draft lottery on Tuesday and have the No. 1 overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft, which is on June 20. The Pelicans are widely expected to take Williamson.

I bring this up because (David) Griffin is now the decision-maker for the Pelicans and might have an even bigger asset on his hands. In addition to inheriting Davis, Griffin won the right to select uber-prospect Zion Williamson. Before Tuesday’s lottery prize went to the Pelicans, I asked another general manager how valuable drafting Williamson is for an NBA franchise.

His response: “A top five asset from Day 1.”

So, in a hypothetical world, if he was a free agent, he’d get the max, right?

“Yes,” the GM told me. “Way, way more than the max … if allowed.”

Article Continues Below
More Pelicans News
image thumbnail
Kon Knueppel turns heads with shocking NBA draft testing resultsErik Slater ·
Rutgers Scarlet Knights guard Ace Bailey (4) looks to pass the ball against the USC Trojans during the second half at Jersey Mike's Arena. 76ers
Pelicans rumors: New Orleans targeting specific star draft prospect with trade upZachary Howell ·
New Orleans Pelicans forward Herbert Jones (2) against the LA Clippers on a free throw attempt during the first half at Smoothie King Center.
NBA rumors: Pelicans insider calls out ‘BS’ Herb Jones-to-76ers trade speculationJulian Ojeda ·
Trey Murphy III, Joe Dumars, Pelicans logo, NBA Draft logo
Sources: Pelicans not completely shutting door on Herb Jones, Trey Murphy III tradesChris Dodson ·
Duke Blue Devils guard Kon Knueppel (7) shoots against Syracuse Orange guard Lucas Taylor (3) during the first half at the JMA Wireless Dome.
New Orleans Pelicans’ perfect outcome for No. 7 pick in 2025 NBA DraftRohan Brahmbhatt ·
Chris Paul rescinded NBA trade Lakers Hornets
Chris Paul shuts down Hornets-Lakers trade conspiracyJulian Ojeda ·

In his lone season at Duke, Williamson put on an absolute show. The high-flyer averaged 22.6 points, 8.9 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game while shooting 68.0 percent from the field, 33.8 percent from beyond the arc and 64.0 percent from the free-throw line.

There hasn't been this much hype surrounding a player since LeBron James. The Pelicans are hoping Williamson carves out a similar career as James.