‘I Am Going to Get Fouled a Lot’: Pelicans’ Zion Williamson Focused on Free Throw Practice

Zion Williamson has been one of the most exciting prospects to enter the NBA in recent memory. Zion joined the league in 2019, as the number one overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft. He joined the New Orleans Pelicans, and many expect him to become the future face of the NBA.

Zion Williamson spoke recently to the press about what work he has been doing during practice. Zion said that his focus has been pretty much on improving his shot. He said, “I mean me and coach are putting in a lot of work every day at practice. Just free throws, working on the jumper, working on everything, evolving my shot. That’s been really helpful up to this point.”

Zion is one of the most exciting young players in the NBA. Last season, many expected Zion to be the outright Rookie of the Year before he even played a game for the Pelicans. However, due to prior injuries, Zion only played a total of 24 games, averaging 22 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 assists.

Zion Williamson, the future superstar

Zion’s lack of games during the regular season meant he missed out on the Rookie of the Year honors, and the award went to Ja Morant of the Memphis Grizzlies. But this season could be a whole new story. During the games that Zion actually played, he looked very impressive and flat-out unstoppable at times.

Zion has a lot of expectations to live up to. No played has entered the league with more hype surrounding them since LeBron James in 2003. But those expectations are not unfounded. Anyone who watched Zion play college basketball in Duke knew how special he was going to be. The NBA are smart to try hitch their wagon to Williamson, as he is truly box office.

Williamson has a strong team around him in New Orleans. He has players such as Brandon Ingram, Lonzo Ball, Steven Adams and a great coach in Stan Van Gundy, who can help maximise his potential. The Pelicans front office will be hoping that Zion and his crew can do what Anthony Davis couldn’t do for them, and take them to the Western Conference Finals at the very least.

While the competition in the Western Conference will be tough, Zion is a player who cannot be stopped if he is on his game. It remains to be seen how Zion performs with the New Orleans Pelicans, when the new NBA season begins on December 22.