New Orleans Pelicans: Zion Williamson is Stepping Up

The New Orleans Pelicans’ superstar rookie is using the suspension of play to help others and spend time with his family, including his younger brother Noah.

The New Orleans Pelicans got a special young man when they drafted Zion Williamson with the number one overall pick.

The rookie entered the NBA like a wrecking ball after suffering an early season injury and has not looked back. Williamson is averaging 23.6 points and 6.8 rebounds while thrilling crowds nightly with his highlight reel dunks.

But it is what Zion has done off the court that really makes him special.

After the NBA announced play would be suspended due to the outbreak of the coronavirus, Williamson pledged to cover the salaries of all all arena staff for the New Orleans Pelicans over the next 30 days.

The 19-year-old phenom is also using the suspension of play to spend time with his family, particularly his young half-brother Noah.

Noah briefly became a household name after appearing in a tuxedo next to Zion at the NBA draft.

Williamson explained the importance of his relationship with his brother in a short documentary, saying,

"“Noah is my little brother and I always look out for him,” Williamson…[We] go outside on that little goal I have and play basketball with each other. I’m always chillin’ with Noah. Noah has this cool vibe to him. When you are around Noah, how can you not smile and laugh? Noah has that swag about him, I love it because I say, ‘Yeah, that’s my little brother. What’s up, bruh.’”"

Though Zion Williamson and the rest of the New Orleans Pelicans are certainly eager to get back to basketball and regular life, Zion is using this unexpected time off to spend time with his family, including reading books with his little brother.

Zion Williamson has shown rare maturity and poise for someone of his age, especially in the face of this unprecedented time in the NBA.

His play and personality have made him the future face of the league and Zion is showing he can handle it.

With the Center for Disease Control recommending that all gatherings over 50 people be cancelled for at least eight weeks, it is unclear when or if the NBA will return. We will continue to offer great coverage of the New Orleans Pelicans during the suspension.

For more information about COVID-19, visit the CDC’s website or the website for your state’s Department of Health.