At long last, Zion Williamson will make his NBA debut on Wednesday night when the New Orleans Pelicans take on the San Antonio Spurs in The Big Easy.
Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich chimed in on the buzz surrounding Williamson's debut, calling it “exciting” and suggesting Zion is one of the leaders of a new generation of players:
Gregg Popovich on Zion: “It’s like watching a new generation come in. It’s exciting.” Recalled being an assistant under Larry Brown and being mesmerized by Michael Jordan
— Vincent Goodwill (@VinceGoodwill) January 23, 2020
Popovich has plenty of experience coaching superstar rookies.
The legendary coach took over the Spurs prior to the 1997-98 season, just one year after San Antonio went 20-62 and lucked into the first overall pick in the 1997 NBA Draft. Of course, that selection would forever alter the course of the franchise.
San Antonio selected Tim Duncan out of Wake Forest, and Duncan immediately transformed the Spurs. “The Big Fundamental” was dominant as soon as he stepped onto an NBA floor, going on to average 21.1 points, 11.9 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 2.5 blocks while playing over 39 minutes and appearing in all 82 games.
As a result, the Spurs won 56 games and even won their first playoff series before falling to the Utah Jazz in the Western Conference semifinals. They would go on to win the NBA title the very next year.
Whether Zion will have the same kind of impact on the Pelicans is a big unknown. However, it is worth noting New Orleans–despite plenty of rumors–have not made any big roster changes despite their early-season struggles, in part because they likely believe Williamson's return can help to propel them to the playoffs.
The Pelicans have won five of their last seven, and they are starting to close the gap on the Memphis Grizzlies for the final playoff spot in the West.
It would be outlandish to suggest Zion can be to the Pelicans what Duncan was (at the time) to the Spurs. Nevertheless, Popovich recognizes the gravity of the moment.
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