Scoring his first season-best of 31 points wasn’t enough to restore the once-leading New Orleans Pelicans in a game against the Warriors on Tuesday. Zion Williamson became the moment for Crescent City, but it wasn’t their day after all. Leading 14-31 in the first quarter of the game and then a drastic drop. However, their power forward was the highlight of the day (as always). But, there’s a problem that seems to have popped up for HC Willie Green.

Injuries have marred Zion Williamson’s NBA career so far. One after the other, the 6’6″ Duke Alumna’s first setback was in 2019 when he was ruling college basketball. A knee sprain kept him away for the remainder of the NCAA Regular Season. But once he stepped into the NBA with the Pelicans, injuries did follow him around. Be it a hamstring or several foot issues, from quad to ankle, Williamson has always found himself on the bench in times of emergency for the team.

Well, ex-Warriors point guard Baron Davis feels that the way the Pelicans coach Willie Green plays Zion Williamson, he’s turning more injury-prone over time. Speaking on the Draymond Green Show, the former NBA player agreed to DrayMagic’s Blake Griffin comparison. However, he didn’t miss out on reminding the side effects of the same. He said:

“My boy Willie Green is using Zion as a playmaker initiating offense. Move him around. But I do think there’s a gift in the curse with that right? Because of how he’s built, he’s downhill, downhill, downhill.” Baron Davis said. “I always say this about bigger guys; it’s like when you play a guard game and you move like a guard, you’re susceptible and prone to more injuries. A lot of wear and tear on him and a lot of fatigue. So in a situation like that, you’ve got to put him in pick and roll, and you’ve got to post them because he pushed the ball up two or three times.”

Maybe switching roles from a forward to a guard isn’t working out in the 24-year-old’s case. Davis indicates that a PG attracts more injuries than the other positions. Therefore, putting your main player in a spot that can drag him off the court for days by throwing him in a forward might be the worst idea at the moment. So, Willie Green needs to look into the matter before the face of the team is sidelined with something major.

In the 2023/24 season, the Salisbury native averaged 22.9 points in 70 games. Had it not been for his health and injuries, there were chances these stats could’ve spiked up. Meanwhile, Chase Center watched the ‘unstoppable force’ named Zion Williamson unfold his fierce game on Tuesday. And it’s safe to say, there’s more to the hooper beyond his injuries, and maybe, Draymond Green has identified just that.

Zion Williamson’s style on the court reminds Draymond Green of ex-Clippers star Blake Griffin

“Zion is a very tough cover man.” Draymond Green acknowledged the power Williamson holds on the floor. He’s like a linebacker and he makes it impossible for the ops to take the ball up against him. Zion Williamson can simply be called a beast for his style of putting immense pressure on the defense of his rivals. This quality of the 24YO forward reminds DrayMagic of his former rival, Blake Griffin.

“That reminds me a lot of Blake Griffin. When I was playing Blake during those years when he was with the Clippers. Always putting pressure on the rim, always a lot of force. Strong as hell and like you can do what you want, they’re putting their heads down to get to the rim,” Draymond told on his show.

Draymond emphasized the importance of avoiding fouls. He explained how the 2x NBA All-Star makes it difficult for opponents to take shots. He mentioned the need to maintain proper positioning. Understanding one’s distance from the rim is also crucial. Ultimately, Green noted that once players like Zion Williamson are inside the free-throw line, they can jump effortlessly. This makes it challenging to defend against them due to their incredible athleticism.

With the right approach, Zion Williamson can unleash his full potential and transform the Pelican’s fortunes. However, Coach Willie needs to figure out how to put him in pick and roll and not impose all the guard’s roles on him. This might be one of the many ways to keep their star healthy and effective. The 2024/25 season has just begun and the 24YO is already showing sparks like Blake Griffin. Imagine what else is waiting in more games to come!