Zion Williamson’s Starting 5 Skill Set Developments: Summer League Edition

4) Zion Williamson will be refining his low post moves and outside shot throughout the season. He will be challenged in the paint and could find it exhausting working on the perimeter. That is when Williamson’s passing skills will be put to the test.

Passing skills go beyond the highlight passes between the legs, skipped down the lane or to the opposite corner. Williamson is capable of making extraordinary passes, but those are only occasionally needed.

The more important skill is making smart simple passes to escape trouble before it has a chance to swarm. Almost every possession requires a few simples passes to allow off-ball action to develop. These simple passes lead to more eye-pleasing ball movement teamwork.

The defense looks silly and the simple passes actually help to conserve energy. The New Orleans Pelicans just rid themselves of a star not willing to lift up his teammates. Zion showing his willingness to spread the love to the rest of the roster will endear him to his teammates.

Rookies have to earn their respect, even if they’ve been hyped as much as Zion Williamson. Part of earning that respect is giving off easy passes, for easy dunks, when other stars would be selfish. Zion’s passing could be the biggest key to unlocking the team’s playoff potential.

A sharing culture leads to a happy locker room. Williamson is known for his smile. Passing out a few highlight assists to his teammates would cause that Zion smile to become infectious within the locker room.