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Duke Alumni: Expect fireworks from Zion Williamson in his NBA debut

By Luke Tucker

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - JANUARY 18: Zion Williamson #1 of the New Orleans Pelicans warms up before a game against the LA Clippers at the Smoothie King Center on January 18, 2020 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - JANUARY 18: Zion Williamson #1 of the New Orleans Pelicans warms up before a game against the LA Clippers at the Smoothie King Center on January 18, 2020 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /
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Former Duke standout and top-overall pick Zion Williamson will make his NBA debut on Wednesday night against the Spurs.

After missing the first 44 games of the season, Zion Williamson will make his NBA debut on Wednesday night when his Pelicans host the Spurs in New Orleans. The Pelicans selected the 19-year-old Williamson with the first pick in June’s draft after he dominated college basketball in his lone season at Duke. The rookie hasn’t had any live, on-court action since a preseason game on October 13th, but has been regularly participating in 5-on-5 practice drills. Williamson reportedly will be in the team’s starting lineup when they take the floor Wednesday night.

Williamson was dominant in his one season at Duke, and continued that trend in his four preseason games.

Despite just playing one season at the collegiate level, Williamson took the college basketball world by storm during his time with the Blue Devils. In fact, he may be one of the most–if not the most–exciting players to ever play college basketball. Williamson led Duke to a 32-win season, an ACC Tournament title, and won nearly every award and recognition imaginable. In 33 games at the school, he averaged 22.6 points, 8.9 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks per contest. His efforts not only made him the number-one pick in the NBA draft, but also one of the most beloved players in the sport at any level.

Williamson’s on-court success continued during the NBA preseason, as he averaged 23.3 points and 6.5 rebounds per game. To make those numbers even more impressive, he shot better than 71% from the field, including a 29-point performance against the Bulls in which he made 12-of-13 shots. He was the Rookie of the Year favorite according to an NBA.com survey, and seemed primed for an electric campaign before suffering a partially torn meniscus in his right knee following New Orleans’ fourth preseason game. Williamson was initially given a six-to-eight week recovery period, but with all the stock put into the highly-prized prospect, the Pelicans rightfully decided to be cautious with their young star.

The most recent knee injury marks Williamson’s third in the past year, and continues to raise concerns regarding his long-term health. In an attempt to avoid future injury, the rookie has spent a large portion of his past three months altering his landing. Before the injury in October, Williamson had had a habit of coming down straight-legged. Now, he claims to have a softer, less wear-and-tear landing. In addition, he has also reportedly put extra emphasis on flexibility and conditioning.

Williamson’s return comes at the perfect time for New Orleans as the team prepares for a mid-season playoff push.

While Williamson’s debut will come with plenty of fanfare, the excitement could very well be used as a catalyst for a playoff push as well. The Pelicans, who started the season 6-22, have won 11 of their past 16, and enter Wednesday night’s matchup just 3.5 games out of the final playoff spot in the Western Conference. Adding a player of Williamson’s caliber never hurts, especially during a playoff push.

During his absence, the Pelicans have been led by a different Duke alum in Brandon Ingram. In his first year in New Orleans, Ingram is averaging career-highs in points, rebounds, assists, and blocks per game. He is a fringe All-Star, and is developing into one of the most dynamic forwards in the league. Ingram, along with Lonzo Ball and Josh Hart, came over from the Lakers in a blockbuster trade this past offseason. Along with Ingram, Williamson will likely join Ball, Jrue Holiday, and Derrick Favors in the starting lineup. More importantly, Williamson reportedly won’t be on a specific minutes restriction.

If nothing else, Williamson’s pure athleticism and playmaking ability will make him must-see TV on Wednesday night.

At 6’6,” 284 pounds, Zion Williamson can move in ways that guys his size simply shouldn’t be able to. He has a stocky enough build to compete with opposing bigs down low, yet can also jump out of the gym, and has a quickness inside that is awfully difficult to defend. Not to mention his highlight-reel dunks. Because of his combination of size and versatility, Williamson has drawn comparisons to players such as Larry Johnson, Blake Griffin, and even LeBron James. If Williamson can manage to stay on the court, his freakish athletic ability will make him an All-Star for years and years to come. The quiet superstar’s NBA journey will officially begin Wednesday night, and man, will it be something worth tuning in to.

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