New Orleans Pelicans Summer League: Expected Zion Williamson match-ups

The Zion Williamson led New Orleans Pelicans open NBA Summer League play against R.J. Barrett’s New York Knicks.

Zion Williamson and R.J. Barrett will face off a few times in Las Vegas. However, coaching schemes, playing pace, and rotations might keep them separated far more often than the ESPN suits prefer.

The Zion Williamson versus R.J. Barrett angle is the most hyped, but the Knicks’ other rookie will cause Zion the most problems.

Ignas Brazdeikis could prove more effective defending Zion. The Knicks want R.J. Barrett leading the offense, so the rookie will find ways to rest on defense. There is no resting when bodied up against Williamson.

That fits Brazdeikis’ profile just fine. ESPN basketball analyst Fran Fraschilla told NBA.com:

"“When I watched him last year at the Nike Hoop Summit, he blew me away with his intensity and toughness. He’s going to be an energy guy. He’s going to have to get by on his toughness, his skill level – which is still a work in progress – and to try to improve his athleticism.”"

Kevin Knox and Kenny Wooten will get switched on to Zion Williamson often. Alonzo Trier and Chris Wilkes will also find themselves isolated against Williamson at least a couple of times. VJ King (Louisville) will want another shot at Zion too.

Tim Bond wants to make the jump from the G-League to stick in the NBA. He will be glued to Zion’s hip as much as possible. Tyler Cavanaugh already has two years of NBA experience. He could actually be the most experienced competition Zion Williamson has ever faced.

The Knicks will try different defenders on Zion. Small pests will bother his handles. Bigger bodies will try to move him off his spots. Zion will have to show he has several moves to beat the different types of defenders.

Then he has to finish on Mitchell Robinson, which is another task entirely.