New Orleans Pelicans: the league talks about Zion Williamson
Even before he made his debut with the New Orleans Pelicans, the world was talking about Zion Williamson. Here are some of the best quotes about the rookie phenom.
Zion Williamson was a household name long before he was drafted first overall by the New Orleans Pelicans.
His size, leaping ability and physical dominance were the stuff of legends, and there hasn’t been a rookie to enter the NBA with as much hype since LeBron James.
Zion Williamson has always taken it in stride, never letting the effusive praise go to his head.
In fact, according to USA Today, when Zion was asked how he felt about all of the NBA All-Stars talking about him when he was still in college, Zion said,
"Growing up, I loved what Kobe did and Dirk did,” Williamson said. “My intentions are to stay with the Pelicans my whole career.”"
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Zion Williamson has always been humble, a trait he likely owes to his mother, who was his coach until he was a teenager.
Zion said in an interview just after being drafted number one by the New Orleans Pelicans:
"“I didn’t think I’d be in this position,” he said. “My mom sacrificed a lot for me. I wouldn’t be here without my mom, she did everything for me, I just want to thank her… She put her dreams aside for mine. She always looked out for the family first before herself.”"
It’s hard to watch this video without getting teary eyed, but also without gaining a lot of respect for young Zion Williamson:
It’s obvious the New Orleans Pelicans got something special when they drafted Zion Williamson.
The feeling has been mutual, as Zion said he would like to spend his entire career with the New Orleans Pelicans in an interview in Sports Illustrated:
"Growing up, I loved what Kobe did and Dirk did,” Williamson said. “My intentions are to stay with the Pelicans my whole career.”"
Zion has a chance to a be an icon in New Orleans, an ambassador for the city and the best NBA player of his generation.
Here’s what some of the rest of the league has to say about Zion Williamson.