New Orleans Pelicans star Zion Williamson broke onto the basketball scene with the potential of becoming the next NBA star.
Williamson became a big-time name during his time at Duke University.
Here, he won the attention of the media from his high-flying play around the basket.
With his 6-foot-6, 284-pound frame, the athleticism is unbelievable.
His highlight reel doesn’t even look like something from this planet.
Anyone who watches the sport of basketball was able to experience the hype surrounding Williamson and his entrance into the league.
He was taken by the Pelicans with the first overall pick, with fans waiting to see how his game would translate to the next level.
While he has been touted as the second coming of LeBron James, Williamson had a lot of pressure coming into the league.
Unfortunately, a knee injury during the NBA Summer League sidelined the budding prospect for the first half of the season.
When he was able to return, he gave a glimpse at how good he actually is.
However, a debate was sparked when ESPN ranked Williamson as the 19th best player in the NBA for this upcoming season.
Our NBA rank continues 👀
No. 50 down to No. 11 ➡️ https://t.co/5qMPvMLqLH (ESPN+) pic.twitter.com/AOXzRIEHP3
— ESPN (@espn) December 9, 2020
With this in mind, is the 20-year-old forward overrated?
Here are three reasons why he is not overrated:
1. Williamson Possesses Natural Gifts
Williamson is a pure freak of nature.
Nobody with the size he possesses should be able to move like how he does.
This alone is something that can make him a game changer on the floor on any given night.
He is difficult to matchup with, especially as his combination of size and strength allows him to play alongside both smaller and larger players.
What’s the difference?@Zionwilliamson x @iamtc25 pic.twitter.com/oTawnwpDpo
— 🐺 PLAYOFF BOUND (@WolvesGotNext) December 13, 2020
This is especially true in today’s NBA, where there are more protections for a player driving to the rim.
Because of this athleticism, it is hard to overrate Williamson; this has the potential of carrying him in this league and naturally make him better than other players.
With James, we were able to see how an athletic freak can refine his game and craft to become one of the best players of all-time.
Williamson is in a position where he may be able to do the same.
2. He’s Played Well So Far
Though 24 NBA games is a very small sample size, Williamson stood out.
In 24 games, he averaged 22.5 points per game, 6.3 rebounds and 2.1 assists.
While these aren’t Earth-shaking stats, he put them up in just 27.8 minutes per game.
Because of this, his “per 36 minutes” stats stand out much more.
With a minute expansion, Williamson could have averaged 29.1 PPG if he scored at the same rate.
He also shot 42.9% from three, though with few total shots, which is extremely good for someone who isn’t known as a perimeter player.
For a rookie, this is a fantastic introduction to the league.
Because of this, there is a reason that he is looked at so highly in the game.
Highlights from Zion Williamson in tonight’s preseason game against the Heat.
Zion would finish with 26 PTS (8/13 FG) and 11 REB in 33 MIN
— Backcourt Violation (@backcourtv) December 15, 2020
If he is able to stay healthy and expand on these stats, he will become one of the best players in the league.
3. His Youth
Williamson is young… Like SUPER young.
To have put up the stats he did at just 19-years-old is crazy.
He is looking at a long career ahead of him, so long as he stays healthy.
Many of the people who rate him so highly are doing so based on projection.
ZION WILLIAMSON
31 PTS
12/22 FG
7/11 FT
0/3 3PT
9 REB
2 AST
1 BLK
1 STLpic.twitter.com/Wi7KXgG0ZN— Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) December 19, 2020
Looking at the potential Williamson has; it is not surprising that he could very easily develop himself into one of the best players in the NBA.
This season will be a big one for Williamson, as he can truly solidify his place among the NBA’s best.
It is hard to deny the talent that Williamson brings to the table.
The biggest question will be his health; if he can stay healthy, there is no telling the ceiling he has.
Because of this, Williamson deserves his current rating in the league.
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