It was not so long ago that teammates Steven Adams and Zion Williamson were dueling it out down low, as Adams was on the Oklahoma City Thunder before becoming a member of the Pelicans. In an interview with JJ Redick, Adams talked about his thought process when analyzing Williamson's game:

“it was just ridiculous how fast he moves for his size, that was one thing. But then the other was once he gets to his spot, his adjustment in the air after any sort of contact or whatever, and the touch, is just ridiculous,” Adams said in shock about the Pelicans' star.

Adams emphasized that Williamson's touch around the rim with the Pelicans was something that he had no answers for. A player as big as Williamson has the explosiveness to catch anyone guarding him by surprise. His touch to guide the ball through the hoop is just the icing on top.

Adams talked about how he enjoyed playing against Williamson when they were opponents. Imagine how excited Adams was when he got the call from the Pelicans that he would be sharing the frontcourt next to one of the most talented young forwards in the league.

The big man out of Duke has averaged 23.8 points a game while shooting a remarkable 59.9% from the field. This insane offensive efficiency is evidence of Williamson's sublime touch near the hoop that Adams talked so highly about, proving that he is not only capable of throwing down a lob on a fast break or a backdoor cut. It will be exciting to see Williamson continue to develop his game and help turn the Pelicans into a winning franchise.

The Pelicans have assembled a youthful roster with some veteran pieces who are mentors and, essentially, extensions of the coaching staff on the floor. This particular vision for a roster won't find its ultimate realization this year or even in 2022, but in 2023 and 2024, the hope is that Zion and other young stars for the Pels will blossom.