No. 1 overall draft pick Zion Williamson has already built a strong fan base in the NBA, but there might not be a bigger fan within his own team than veteran marksman JJ Redick. The New Orleans Pelicans sniper went on ESPN's Get Up on Tuesday, lauding Williamson's potential and expressing optimism for what he's able to achieve down the road.
“An NBA MVP, First-Team All-NBA, a Hall of Famer and a guy who leads teams to championships,” said Redick. “I think that’s his ceiling. He hasn’t even come close, really, to scratching the surface, and as his skill level develops, as the game slows down a little bit for him, he’s going to be even better, which is scary, for sure.”
Williamson has only played 19 games in his young NBA career after missing the first half of the season with a torn meniscus. Despite the short sample size, he already has an inside game that bests that of reigning MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo and the iconic Shaquille O'Neal in their best seasons.
The 19-year-old Pelicans rookie is averaging a whopping 23.6 points and 6.8 rebounds, shooting a monstrous 58.9% from the floor. He's also converted on 50% or more of his field goals in 17 of his first 19 games in the NBA.
His 3-point shooting is still ways away from being a weapon, but there is no denying that it could change within a few years.
Williamson is athletic, strong, and doesn't shy away from big moments — all virtues that Redick sees translating into all types of personal accolades and eventually, championships.
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