(Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)
The New Orleans Pelicans need Zion Williamson to be at his best if they want to stand a chance to do something special in the league; it’s as simple as that.
Zion has usually been quite good when he’s been healthy, which hasn’t been too often throughout the course of his career.
He’s barely missed any games this season, and other than that dud vs. the Los Angeles Lakers in the In-Season Tournament, he’s been mostly good.
However, he’s never been known for his defensive prowess, instincts, or commitment.
That’s why HC Willie Green wanted to give him his flowers for his solid defensive performance vs. the Utah Jazz on Thursday night (via Rod Walker).
Willie Green on Zion: “I thought Zion’s defense was incredible. He was impactful on both ends.”
— Rod Walker (@RodWalkerNola) December 29, 2023
Granted, the Jazz aren’t the best team you could measure your defense against, but it’s still nice to see Zion putting his body on the line, getting deflections, and making the most of his athleticism to disrupt shots around him.
There’s no reason to think that Zion cannot be an impactful defender at the NBA level, even if he’s not great on the ball.
He’s strong and athletic and can stay in front of smaller and quicker players, not to mention his ability to protect the rim with his hops.
Even so, at this point, it seems like the most important thing for him and his team will be to just have him out there on the floor, which is more than they can say of the first years of his career after so many injuries and scandals.
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