Zion Williamson recently gave an interview to ESPN’s Maria Taylor, providing insight to his mindset on and off the court. The polished interview showed he is ready to be the face of the New Orleans Pelicans.
“Zion Williams, Duke University, Forward. And I’d like to shout out my mom.” Zion Williamson gave that introduction for the new ESPN NBA Draft introduction interviews. It would become clear that the New Orleans Pelicans are getting a grounded star with the first overall pick, thanks to Momma Williamson.
When asked about his hype and adversity he responded that he “likes it,” because it keeps him competitive. He added that “when people think I can’t do something or think I can’t accomplish something,” it helps him to “work that much harder.”
Who are these people thinking Zion cannot do something on a basketball court? Are they the same people saying “funny things, like I’m not human?” It cannot be Zion’s mother and stepdad, who helped him become who he is today. Must be guys still working on their elementary basketball algebra.
Taylor asked Zion how it feels, sitting with two of his AAU teammates as potential lottery picks. Could this trio be the new banana boat crew? Could they actually play together? Trade fates and career numbers are still decades are from being properly judged.
Zion did not initially judge his surroundings correctly, concerning Ja Morant. Zion says as a freshman he was shy, and just hung around his mom. He did this thinking “they didn’t like me,” meaning his teammates, Ja included.
Eventually, he grew out of his shy nature with Morant. R.J. Barrett has only known the social, outgoing side of Zion Williamson.
“From the start, me and R.J. was like, they going to try and turn us against each other. So we had the same goal, Let’s hoop. And he became my brother throughout that process.”
When asked to identify who or what to credit for this well-polished gentleman of jaw-dropping feats, Zion again gave the love to his mom, and his stepdad. He credits his stepdad for his habits of stopping and talking with everyone. It helped him understand the world while working on his social skills.
He credits his competitive nature for inspiring his creativity on the court. He is going to try different things, and different dunks, as the game presents the opportunity to try it. Alvin Gentry would be wise to give Zion the green light to attempt anything he dreams possible.
Zion Williamson gave a tiny peek inside his ruthless dunking nature. He did add unprompted that he would dunk on any defender that thought he could not end the play with a dunk. He said it with the confidence of a star having highlight reel receipts of said dunks.
Not many can put action behind any voiced doubts in Zion’s abilities. Too many of his feats have been almost unbelievable. The ACC is a high level of basketball. Team USA and Gregg Popovich do not extend training invitations to just any jovial pair of sneakers with one year of collegiate experience.
When put on the spot regarding any potential dunk contest participation, Zion said he has not really thought about it. He would be waiting until November or December to decide. The New Orleans Pelicans have to enjoy hearing that he will not press the issue just for the fans’ sake.
It’s a business now. If Zion needs a rest during All-Star Weekend, he should pass on the dunk contest. He realizes he should be able to have a long career. The biggest challenge, Williamson responded, is going to be “living up to everyone’s expectations.”
That was Zion Williamson’s quick reply when asked what his biggest challenge would be in the NBA. Not winning titles or dunk contest, but living up to the lofty expectations being suggested. He realizes though, that he is an “18-19-year-old kid” entering the best professional league, at the best it’s ever been.
Williamson is able to see the situation in New Orleans for what it is, and it’s a great opportunity. His stepdad said as much on the local radio recently. Zion also knows who he is, and who he can trust for advice.
In the last question, again about handling hype and expectations, Zion again gave mom an appreciative and complimentary shout out. She is who he turns to he explained, concerning how he stayed grounded through this process.
He is just a confident dunking machine who loves and respects his mother. The Williamson family is more than welcome in New Orleans, it seems they’ll fit right in.