Zion Williamson has yet to play a full-fledged game in his NBA career, but he's already living the dream of what it means to play in the league. The New Orleans Pelicans new star and the No. 1 overall selection of the 2019 NBA Draft is taking matters day by day and soaking in every bit of the experience, much like an undrafted rookie getting his chance to be part of the league.
“This is what the dream was all about – making it to the league and having impact and the impact starts (Tuesday),” said Williamson, according to Jeff Zillgitt of USA TODAY Sports. “It’s been crazy and fun – always on the move. … I think people will look at what I’m doing and say it’s very stressful, but I’m having fun with it. All these meetings, meeting my new teammates and trying to jell with them, that’s a fun process. I’m 19. Two years ago, I was just a senior in high school and now I’m sitting here so I think about that.”
Head coach Alvin Gentry has taken that very same approach, tempering expectations for his prized rookie star, as many are expecting him to be the savior of the franchise.
Williamson came at an opportune time, a blessing in disguise after the departure of Anthony Davis, pressing the reset button for the organization, which has been part of a complete team overhaul.
“We’re not going to ask him to put on a cape and fly in and save our franchise,” said Alvin Gentry. “He's going to be a really good player, and every single day he’s going to work at getting better, and to me that’s the most important thing right there.”
The Pelicans have mixed in a young core with strong-minded veterans that can guide them along a grueling 82-game season. While there's some potential to sniff the playoffs this season, a day-by-day, workman-like approach such as Zion's is perhaps the best to employ as the 2019-20 season nears.
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