“Got a Lot of Shooters Out There”: Zion Williamson Gets Real About His Role Change After Sinking the Clippers’ 4-Game Win Streak

The New Orleans Pelicans pulled off an impressive 117-106 upset victory, effectively limiting the Los Angeles Clippers‘ Big 4. As a result of the victory, the Pelicans are now on a four-game hot run and sit comfortably in the 6th spot in the West. Despite CJ McCollum‘s game-high 25 points, seven rebounds, and four assists, what drew eyeballs was Zion Williamson‘s insane playmaking which was on full display during the game.

Williamson started the game cold, contributing only two points 24 minutes into the game. However, he woke just in time to save the day, efficiently dropping 19 points to lead the Pels to the win. The Duke alum erupted for 21 points and 10 assists, only one assist shy of his career-high number. After humbling the resurgent Clippers clan, the 2x NBA All-Star divulged his honest thoughts on taking on the role of a point guard in the recent victory. “Man I’m having a lot of fun. Got a lot of shooters out there and they’re gonna knock the shots down,” said Zion when asked whether he enjoys playing Point Zion.

However, this role change is not new to him. The Pels have been polishing him as a point guard for a few years now.

The ‘Point Zion’ experiment

After entering the league billed as the next generational talent, Williamson quickly garnered a reputation for his elite second jump. This unique combination enables him to dominate the boards in a way few others can. As a result, second-chance points and secured defensive rebounds became part and parcel of what Williamson brings to the New Orleans Pelicans rotation.

However, this was not enough for the former coach, Stan Van Gundy, who wanted to develop Williamson into a multi-faceted offensive weapon. Therefore, he decided to experiment with Zion in the point guard position. And, as evident, it paid great dividends.

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As a result, Point Zion was born. It did not take him long to get comfortable with the role, either. His stepfather raised him as a point guard before he committed to Duke. As Zion himself said in an interview with Forbes, “It just feels natural to me. I’ve been playing the game since I was 4. At this point, it just feels natural. I’m still learning. But certain things just do feel natural.”

Zion Williamson’s enhanced passing has elevated the Pelicans’ offensive attack. His most frequent assist target has been CJ McCollum, who is averaging 19.4 points this season. The dynamic is clearly working, as evidenced by the win against the Clippers. What are your thoughts on Williamson playing the point guard position? Let us know in the comments!

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