The New Orleans Pelicans didn’t have to do a lot of thinking when they got the first-overall pick in 2019.
As good as Ja Morant looked, Zion Williamson had the upside to be a generational kind of player, even with all the concerns about his weight and his health.
The Pelicans went with Zion, and they’ve been quite patient with him through the multiple injuries, narratives, and time missed.
That has most definitely paid off, as Williamson has been one of the best and most dominant players in the league when healthy, becoming a fan favorite right away.
That became even more evident this season, as he was voted as an All-Star starter for the first time in his career despite missing a big portion of the season with injuries.
𝗔𝗹𝗹-𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗿 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗲𝗿: @ZionWilliamson! #Pelicans | #NBAAllstar pic.twitter.com/mNybfKUQE9
— New Orleans Pelicans (@PelicansNBA) January 27, 2023
Of course, that also drew plenty of criticism, as there were other deserving players — such as Domantas Sabonis and Lauri Markkanen — that have stayed healthy and posted All-Star-caliber numbers throughout the season.
But then again, not many players have been as spectacular and impactful as Zion, even on limited minutes.
The All-Star Game has always been a popularity contest; there’s nothing new about that.
The fans vote for the guys they want to see in the game, and Zion has been box-office since day one.
Hopefully, he’ll be healthy enough to take the floor in the All-Star Game and knock people’s socks off with his emphatic poster dunks and freakish athleticism.
But more than that, hopefully, he’ll be healthy enough to, you know, actually play this season.
NEXT: The Pelicans Continue To Slip Down The Standings
