Despite Zion Williamson being a rookie, an NBA executive already ranked the New Orleans Pelicans rising star as one of the best finishers in the league.
The NBA exec placed Williamson among the ranks of two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo and LeBron James. However, echoing the concern of a majority of fans and analysts, the unnamed exec expressed belief that injuries will hinder Williamson's rapid ascent.
“He’s just a special player inside the arc who’s an elite finisher,” one executive said of the Pelicans rookie, per HoopsHype. “Offensively, he can finish at an elite rate. He’s one of the best finishers behind Giannis (Antetokounmpo) and LeBron (James). He can hit the open man. He’s so physically dominant. His shooting shouldn’t be a problem, but we’ll see. I think he’s always going to be hurt, though.”
Williamson played just 24 games in his rookie year, but he did average 22.5 points, 6.3 rebounds and 2.1 assists for the Pelicans. He shot at a stellar 58.3 percent from the field, as well as 42.9 percent from deep and 64.0 percent from the free-throw line. His impressive showing even led to whispers that he might win top rookie honors despite not playing a chunk of the season.
Other NBA stars have showered praise on Zion Williamson, tagging him as a special talent. Legendary Duke head coach Mike Krzyzewski has even compared him to the likes of Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant and Magic Johnson.
According to Krzyzewski, like those three basketball icons he coached under Team USA, Williamson is “smart in the moment that action is happening” — which makes him a rare talent.
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