Now that the New Orleans Pelicans own the No. 1 pick in the 2019 NBA Draft, Zion Williamson is as good as theirs. The question remains: how will head coach Alvin Gentry determine his position in the pros?
Gentry told The Washington Post national NBA writer Ben Golliver that it's a good problem to have.
Pelicans' Alvin Gentry on the "What position does Zion play? question: "I'm glad we'll have that problem. Giannis plays all 5. KD. Golden State has made this a pass, cut and relocate league."
— Ben Golliver (@BenGolliver) May 15, 2019
Many experts consider the 18-year-old Williamson, the consensus first overall pick of the draft next month, the next bona fide NBA star. He played both forward spots with the Duke Blue Devils.
At 6'7″ and 285 lbs., Williamson is a perfect fit for the small forward position in the pro ranks. His immense physical frame should help him overpower opposing small forwards.
If Williamson plays the 4-spot, he's a bit undersized at 6'7″. However, don't tell that to the likes of Charles Barkley, who was an 11-time NBA All-Star. Bear in mind that Barkley is shorter than Williamson by an inch. The latter also outweighs the former by roughly 35 pounds.
The takeaway: Williamson should also excel at power forward with the Pelicans. Imagine a Pelicans frontcourt of Zion Williamson, Anthony Davis, and Julius Randle – that trio should give the opposition fits night in and night out.
How excited is Alvin Gentry about getting the #1 pick in the NBA Draft?
Wow. pic.twitter.com/IwboNuLrPH— Doug Mouton (@DMoutonWWL) May 15, 2019
That is, of course, if Davis remains in New Orleans. It would be interesting to see how the potential drafting of Williamson will affect Davis' desire to leave the Pelicans.
For now, Gentry and Co. are the envy of the other lottery teams. If they do wind up with Zion Williamson, figuring out what position he will play in the NBA is indeed a good problem to have.
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