Pelica Debrief
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Takeaways as New Orleans Pelicans core praised by NBA GMs in new survey

By Willie Lutz

NOMADISON, NJ - AUGUST 11: Zion Williamson #1 of the New Orleans Pelicans poses for a portrait during the 2019 NBA Rookie Photo Shoot on August 11, 2019 at Fairleigh Dickinson University in Madison, New Jersey. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)
NOMADISON, NJ - AUGUST 11: Zion Williamson #1 of the New Orleans Pelicans poses for a portrait during the 2019 NBA Rookie Photo Shoot on August 11, 2019 at Fairleigh Dickinson University in Madison, New Jersey. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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SAN ANTONIO, TX – OCTOBER 13: Zion Williamson #1 of the New Orleans Pelicans dunks the ball against the San Antonio Spurs during a pre-season game on October 13, 2019 at the AT&T Center in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photos by Logan Riely/NBAE via Getty Images)
SAN ANTONIO, TX – OCTOBER 13: Zion Williamson #1 of the New Orleans Pelicans dunks the ball against the San Antonio Spurs during a pre-season game on October 13, 2019 at the AT&T Center in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photos by Logan Riely/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Zion Williamson is the New Orleans Pelicans superstar in waiting

While it’s no secret that most of the front offices around the NBA would love to get a chance to build around a talent like Zion Williamson, it was exciting to see that GMs were in lockstep with regards to the ceiling for the young player.

Many around the league, really even outside of the league, think that Williamson is basically a lock to win Rookie of the Year honors if he stays healthy. Among survey respondents, 68% think he’ll take home that trophy after the season.

They don’t think it’s just a short-term run for Williamson, either, as 68% of executives think Zion will be the best player from the 2019 NBA Draft class in five years. Ja Morant, the second pick in the draft, came in second place in that tally, receiving 18% of the vote.

Basically set for stardom from his first day at Duke University, front office personnel around the league are feeling the hype surrounding the gravity-defying rookie.

Already stunning with his physical ability, 41% of executives said Zion is the most athletic player in the league, way ahead of second-place vote-getter Giannis Antetokounmpo, who took home 28% of the vote in the category after winning the MVP last season.

Continuing to work his way into just about every conversation about the league this season, Williamson is setting something special up for his rookie campaign. Executives seem to think the same, which is a pretty great sign for the young player.

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