via Imago
Jan 30, 2021; NBA New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (1) reacts after making a free throw in the third quarter against the Houston Rockets at the Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports
via Imago
Jan 30, 2021; NBA New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (1) reacts after making a free throw in the third quarter against the Houston Rockets at the Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports
The 2019 NBA draft had some of the biggest names who are dominating the NBA currently. The 1st overall pick of that year, Zion Williamson, was dubbed as the next big thing in the league. However, injuries hindered his meteoric rise to fame considerably in recent seasons. However, Williamson is back this season and is already making headlines with his theatrics.
As the Pelicans got the better of the Phoenix Suns in their recent matchup, Zion Williamson pulled off his signature windmill dunk. Meanwhile, the NBA community flooded social media as the monstrous dunk generated polarizing reactions among fans.
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Although the crowd enjoyed the dunk, some have bashed him for the timing of the dunk as the Pelicans led by a lot of points. Interestingly enough, this has sparked an Internet debate. On Twitter, a user defended Zion and his decision to execute the dunk while calling out the conservative fans.
NBA Twitter divided over Zion Williamson dunk
The 2019 1st overall draft pick Zion Williamson has had a rocky start to his NBA career. He played for the Duke Blue Devils and had quite the reputation in college. Subsequently, he made his much-anticipated debut in the NBA.
USA Today via Reuters
Dec 9, 2022; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (1) dribbles against Phoenix Suns forward Mikal Bridges (25) during the first half at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
The Pelicans star entered this season having missed more games due to injuries than games played. His body weight has also been widely criticized by fans and experts across the board. Williamson currently weighs 284 lbs.
READ MORE: WATCH: A Powerful Dunk From Zion Williamson Leaves the Backboard Tilted at the NBA Rising Star Game
However, Zion’s recent dunk against the Phoenix Suns, has silenced a lot of his critics. The 2021 All-Star’s theatrics has left fans on Twitter divided on opinions. Here are some of the best reactions.
Dunks like this are the literal reason that fans pay so much money to go to games. Anyone getting mad about this is the feds. Especially fellow NBA players who are too short to dunk and have never won a ring. https://t.co/aT3cibKN0P
— Mason Ginsberg (@MasonGinsberg) December 10, 2022
this is shameful. I would never brag about my player doing this and I can't stand the suns. Act like you won a damn game before. Aint the finals game 7.
— Bo Knows. (@BoKnowsNike) December 10, 2022
SHOWBOATING FRONT RUNNER WHO WILL BE INJURED AGAIN SOON. CONGRATS. YOU REAP WHAT U SOW
— Zion is a pssy (@SunderousDunks) December 10, 2022
I’m emotional 🥹 so happy to see Z shining like we knew he would
— ⚜️⚜️ (@tropicaljub) December 10, 2022
I don’t think he was showing the opponent up, I just think he wanted to give the crowd something. It doesn’t feel disrespectful to me.
— Gryffin’Dior (@PhillyG860) December 10, 2022
This is awesome. Better than the dunk contest.
— Kevin O'Connor (@KevinOConnorNBA) December 10, 2022
I mean I hate the suns as much as the next guy, but that’s classless up 10 with 4 seconds left…
— ✭ ✭ ✭ ✭ ✭ (@dallassportzone) December 10, 2022
As the above reactions suggest, some fans defended his action while some bashed him. Phoenix Suns player Cam Payne talked about Williamson’s dunk and how the team did not take it in a positive way. This urged Williamson to offer an explanation.
Zion Williamson clarifies his position on the dunk
Williamson pulled off one of the moments of this season against the Phoenix Suns. With around 1 second left in the clock, he executed a windmill dunk that sent the crowd into a frenzy.
During the post-match press conference, he said, “That was a little out of character for me but you got to understand, they sent my teammates home last year. I missed all last year…If they was to do the same thing, I wouldn’t have a problem with it.“
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ZION on his 360 windmill at the end of the game
— Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) December 10, 2022
"That was a little out of character for me but you got to understand, they sent my teammates home last year. I missed all last year…If they was to do the same thing, I wouldn't have a problem with it."pic.twitter.com/3o6eaZanRO
After missing out on the entirety of last season due to a foot injury, Williamson is looking to finally fulfill his potential this season. He has had a good start averaging 24.5 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 4.3 assists.
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What are your predictions for the New Orleans Pelicans and Zion Williamson this season? Let us know in the comments down below.
