New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson may be the most dominant rookie in the paint — at least according to statistics.
The NBA started tracking the most points per game in the paint among rookies in the 1996-97 season. Williamson entered Wednesday's game against the Mavericks averaging a whopping 17.6 points per game in the paint — almost four points ahead of Blake Griffin's 13.8 average during his rookie year with the Los Angeles Clippers.
The list also includes Hall of Famer Tim Duncan — widely-regarded as the best power forward of all time. For the season, Williamson is averaging 24.9 points on a stellar 58.8 percent from the field. Teams are pretty much aware that Williamson will likely take it strong to the hoop.
And so their game plan is to give up space to tempt him to jack up a shot using that unrefined shooting form. Despite this strategy, the 19-year-old has still found a way to score efficiently. He easily overpowers opposing big men who are more experienced and a whole lot taller than him. Using his brute strength, Williamson barrels his way to the ring with ease. On top of this, analysts are raving about his quick second jump which allows him to gather an offensive rebound and put it back with a slam.
With a long career ahead of him, Williamson is off to a great start. The best part is that he will get better with experience and training. The Pelicans sure got it right when they picked him first overall.
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