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

By Christopher Dodson

Zion Williamson, New Orleans Pelicans (Photo by Matteo Marchi/NBAE via Getty Images)
Zion Williamson, New Orleans Pelicans (Photo by Matteo Marchi/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Jeff Haynes/NBAE via Getty Images)
(Photo by Jeff Haynes/NBAE via Getty Images) /

The New Orleans Pelicans’ game versus the Chicago Bulls will test Zion’s patience when faced with a packed paint and his rebounding dedication.

Chandler Hutchison is coming off a promising rookie season cut short through injury. Hutchison averaged 5 points and 4 rebounds in 44 games played. His 0.4 Defensive Box Plus/Minus number is great for a rookie on a losing team, considering his minutes played.

Hutchison actually had a positive win share last season. He grabbed 19% of the available defensive rebounds. Those numbers will keep Hutchison in the NBA for a few more seasons.

Zion Williamson will have his offensive rebounding game tested against an actual NBA caliber talent. Hutchison actually wound up in Chicago by way of the Pelicans trade for Nikola Mirotic.

When Zion does get by Hutchison using forceful drives, he will be met by Daniel Gafford and Ethan Happ. Gafford (6’10”) and Happ (6’11”) are both near seven foot rim protectors from Power 5 NCAA schools.

Williamson can attempt to draw fouls and finish but cannot afford to be reckless. A packed paint and a trailing defender is the perfect time to show passing vision or a mid-range game. Both require patience from a player known to rumble his way to the rim.

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