Few players have drawn as much attention as New Orleans Pelicans star Zion Williamson. From high school to Duke to being selected as the No. 1 overall pick in 2019, Williamson has been in the spotlight like few other players. Although the former Duke star was named an All-Star twice in his five years in the league, injuries have hampered the talent that could take him to the next level.
Still, Williamson is highly regarded around the league for his dominance on the court. HoopsHype writer Frank Urbina revealed his best power forwards in the NBA and Williamson appeared at No. 2 on the list.
It’s no surprise that Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo tops the list. The Greek-born megastar is a two-time MVP, NBA champion, and NBA Finals MVP, so it’s understandable that he tops the list.
Williamson, on the other hand, has never played in a playoff game in his career, but his impact on the court is as dominant as any player in the league. Urbina believes that the upcoming season could be the South Carolina native’s best yet.
“Excitement is building about what the 2024-25 season could look like for the two-time All-Star. The way Williamson ended his 2023-24 season with arguably the best performance of his career in the play-in game against the Los Angeles Lakers also makes us believe that this upcoming season could be the best of Williamson’s career.”
The play-in game Urbina is referring to was a tour de force of power and athleticism from the 24-year-old, who scored a game-high 40 points against LeBron James, Anthony Davis and the Lakers. Unfortunately for him and the Pelicans, he injured his hamstring late in the fourth quarter and his season was over, although New Orleans did make the playoffs for the second time in three years. Without their best player, New Orleans was quickly swept by the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder in the first round of the playoffs.
Williamson averaged nearly 23 points per game last season on 57% shooting. He played in a career-high 70 games, but his season was again cut short by injuries. Every year the Pelicans star played ended with him not being able to finish the season due to injury.
This summer, he’s looking to change the narrative of his career and his ability to stay healthy. Williamson is reportedly under his college playing weight and wants to lose even more weight before the season begins. The Pelicans only have a chance to compete in the loaded Western Conference with a healthy Williamson. New Orleans has the talent on paper, but it all starts and ends with having the No. 1 pick on the court when it matters most.
