Zion Williamson hasn't even played 10 games for the New Orleans Pelicans, yet he has already made a huge impact for the team that drafted him first overall last summer. In just his ninth career game, Williamson scored a career-high 31 points and added nine rebounds and five assists to lead the Pelicans to a 138-117 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers.
Speaking to reporters post-game, Zion admitted even he is surprised of the immediate impact he has had for the Pelicans.
“I expect to make an impact, but I don't expect to do nothing like this,” Williamson said via ESPN. “Just kinda look to come in, kinda fit it, not try to mess up. My teammates and coaches are always pushing me, like be outside the box.”
For everyone though, his immediate impact comes as no surprise to anyone. There's no question how much his return has reinvigorated the Pelicans to make a late-season push for the post-season.
In fact, according to the NBA's resident stats guy John Schumman, New Orleans is plus-15.2 per 100 possessions with Williamson on the floor. Without him, they are negative.
Pelicans since Zion Williamson's debut…
Williamson on the floor: +15.2 per 100 possessions
Williamson off the floor: -3.6 per 100 possessionshttps://t.co/2Vf7Pfajp7— John Schuhmann (@johnschuhmann) February 12, 2020
Through nine games, Williamson is averaging 21.0 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 2.3 assists, while shooting an efficient 57.6 percent from the field.
His career-game helped New Orleans secure an important victory over Portland, which currently holds the ninth spot in the Western Conference playoff picture. The Pelicans are currently 11th and 4.5 games separate them from the 8th seeded Memphis Grizzlies.
New Orleans will surely need their 19-year old franchise star, who missed their first 44 games due to injury, to stay healthy the rest of the way in order for them to sneak into the postseason.
Follow Us
Subscribe