The 2019 NBA Draft is in the books, with plenty of drama and an immense amount of trades.
One pick that was unsurprisingly not traded, however, was the No. 1 overall pick, which the New Orleans Pelicans beat the odds and won in May. Of course, that meant only one thing: Zion Williamson was coming to NOLA.
With the first pick of the 2019 NBA Draft, as expected, the Pelicans picked Zion and set themselves up for future success if the right team can be built around the all-encompassing talent that Williamson displayed in his lone season at Duke.
Even though Zion had known for months that he would go first overall in the 2019 NBA Draft, his raw, genuine emotion after being selected was a breathtakingly beautiful sight. To see him cry real tears is a sight that Pelicans, and basketball, fans won’t forget anytime soon.
After gathering himself and drying his eyes, Zion had a message for Pelicans fans on the night of the draft: “Let’s Dance.”
Though the eminently gifted 18-year-old may or may not have been quoting David Bowie’s 1983 classic pop hit, there can be no doubt about his feelings on the city of New Orleans after being drafted by the Pelicans.
During Zion’s meet-and-greet in his new city, he was quoted by the team with some promising words for a franchise who just lost superstar Anthony Davis after he too was drafted No. 1 overall in 2012.
Zion on how the first 24 hours have been in New Orleans
“This is my home. I am ready to stay here ” 🏠 pic.twitter.com/1m9lxxOOp0
— New Orleans Pelicans (@PelicansNBA) June 22, 2019
For now, Zion Williamson is certainly happy to be where he is, as the Pelicans are set up well with an absolutely scintillating young core that includes Zion, Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram, Jaxson Hayes and Nickeil Alexander-Walker.