New Orleans Pelicans rookie sensation Zion Williamson signed a massive shoe deal with Jordan Brand last summer, and he is paying it forward by hooking teammates up with some fresh kicks.
Williamson gifted each of his teammates a pair of Jordans with “Bayou Boys” stitched across the front and on the heel:
Zion hooked up the entire squad with "Bayou Boys" Jordans 🙌
The rook gets it 👏
(via @PelicansNBA, h/t sneakercenter/Instagram)pic.twitter.com/zfXyiuXVcw
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) March 6, 2020
The rook knows how to pay his dues.
Zion has been one of the biggest stories in the league since he made his much-anticipated debut against the San Antonio Spurs on Jan. 22. He is averaging 23.6 points, 6.8 rebounds and 2.2 assists through 18 games while also shooting nearly 59 percent from the field.
The Pelicans are 9-9 with Zion on the floor, though he has had a very evident impact on their team defense and pace. He runs the floor in transition alongside point guard Lonzo Ball and rotates from the weak side to challenge shots on defense. Williamson also shows dogged determination in getting to the rim. He is averaging 8.1 free-throw attempts per game.
Still, Zion's return has not been quite as galvanizing as president David Griffin hoped it might be prior to the trade deadline. Griffin elected to retain the likes of Jrue Holiday with the expectation Zion and co. could make a playoff push.
Yes, the Pelicans are still within striking distance in the Western Conference. They are four games back of the Memphis Grizzlies for the eighth and final playoff spot. New Orleans also have a pretty favorable schedule once they get through a four-game road trip which begins on Sunday.
But Williamson and his teammates are running out of opportunities to gain ground. The “Bayou Boys” need to start winning in a hurry if they want to keep playing later into April.
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