New Orleans Pelicans not worried about Zion Williamson’s outside shot

The New Orleans Pelicans are projected to use the first pick in the NBA Draft on Zion Williamson. The forward from Duke University is the most hyped prospect since Anthony Davis, but has been knocked for his outside shooting.

The New Orleans Pelicans won the lottery, giving them the rights to the most hyped prospect this decade. In a recent interview, Zion Williamson mentioned his doubters. It was news that he had any. An investigation found that his outside shooting was the biggest worry. 

However, all teen prospects have holes in their game. Williamson has been called out for his outside shot. If that is the only worry about Williamson’s game fitting into the modern NBA, the Pelicans will rest easy drafting Zion.

Duke University and a faulty pair of shoes restrained Zion Williamson’s development. The NCAA has rules mandating practice time, and even who can rebound for a player putting in extra work. Look at the start of this video. Zion has two college kids chasing shots.

There will be dedicated resources focused solely on giving ZIon Williamson whatever he wants, even for extra work beyond team activities. Two guys from freshman orientation watching Zion swish three pointers will be replaced with passes from all angles. Those passes will come from certified basketball trainers or strength coaches.

Zion Williamson stepped into his college career by making a three pointer. More time with specialized shooting coaches will help him extend his range and develop consistency.

Zion continued to keep teams honest with his three point shot. He averaged 33.8% on 2.2 attempts per game. Zion has time to build his game out to the NBA arc. Drives and rebounds could lead to a double-double season. New Orleans gets no benefit from letting Zion develop a chucker’s mentality in his rookie campaign.

Slashing, driving, running, and dunking will be the highlights that lead to an NBA Rookie of the Year award. Developing a shot to bail him out when teams game plan against his drives is paramount to realizing his full potential.

Williamson is a star in the making, but Jrue Holiday and some young veterans will likely be the Pelicans’ focal points next year. Any trade haul received for Anthony Davis will be under more scrutiny than Zion to perform next year.

If Williamson falters, the blame will be thrown at the organization, not Zion. He proved last season he could step back beyond the arc. The Pelicans lack spacing and shooting as it is. If Zion is overplaying to create his own, that is a failure on the front office and a hot seat coaching staff. 

Zion is used to the bright lights and celebrity audience. Pictures from his high school games and prospect featuring combines resembled an NBA All-Star weekend.

Zion Williamson has been compared to many NBA greats and championship contributors. He may not be a dead eye shooter just yet, but he could become a bigger James Harden, and more than a smaller LeBron James.

He has even shown as much in front of James Harden. In one highlight, Zion mimics a James Harden-like drive in transition. In the next, he swished a baby step back three. He also shows LeBron’s smart ball movement in transition to set up his dunks.

Zion Williamson will bring plenty of energy to a refreshed New Orleans Pelicans franchise. His marketable charm paired with his electric dunks would be a bonafide headlining show in any city. According to Jalen Rose, he will also bring a shot that is not broken.