Pelicans Rumors: 3 reasons to build around Zion and not trade him

#2) Marketing standpoint

So, you may or may not have heard a rumor circulating around the NBA universe. Zion Williamson is rather fun to watch play basketball. He’s a box office draw and the city of New Orleans could not be more excited to usher in this new era. Don’t believe us? Check out the season ticket sales, they speak for themselves.

Zion Williamson brings spectators by the masses. When Duke played UNC this past season, the game broke ESPN’s record for viewership in a weeknight college basketball game (via www.sportsvideo.org). Williamson, a member of Duke, had a significant part in this feat.

Fans are already desperately searching around the net for a Zion Williamson Pelicans jersey. Another rookie, Luka Doncic, finished eleventh this past season in jersey sales. And as great as he is, the hype around Williamson is otherworldly. That’s not saying he’s a better player, he has yet to play a game in the NBA. But fully expect his jersey sales to be equivalent too, or surpass Luka Doncic’s sales as a rookie.

The New Orleans Pelicans finished 25th in the NBA in attendance this past season, filling up 93.1 percent of their capacity. However, if the aforementioned season tickets sales are a sign of anything to come, the team’s attendance woes are very likely to change. Zion Williamson has the ability to put bottoms in seats. And if the team can construct a contender alongside him, expect their rise in attendance to continue.