Zion Williamson wants to “Be Like Mike” in New Gatorade Ad

Gatorade is trying to cash in on the buzz of “The Last Dance” by remaking its most famous ad, this time with New Orleans Pelicans’ star Zion Williamson.

New Orleans Pelicans’ rookie Zion Williamson wasn’t even born when Michael Jordan made the entire world want to “Be Like Mike.”

For those of use who were alive, the Gatorade “Be Like Mike” advertisement was one of the most ubiquitous of the 1990’s and seemed to be on every time you turned on the TV.

The first time I heard it it gave me goosebumps. By the ten millionth time I heard it I was ready to boycott Gatorade, but I must admit it was a catchy tune.

In an effort to cash in on “The Last Dance” hype, Gatorade remade their famous ad for a new generation. Congratulations, kids, you get your own version of this little ear worm.

This ad features the next face of the NBA, Zion Williamson, who is shown recreating one of MJ’s most famous dunks, as well as Jayson Tatum and Elena Delle Donne.

Knowing Zion Williamson idolized Jordan growing up (how cool is it that he’s the only player who doesn’t answer LeBron James or Kobe Bryant when asked this question?) seeing him imitating his hero was another goosebump-inducing moment.

Here’s the 30 second ad Gatorade released on Twitter:

Those of you who are too young to remember probably won’t understand how nostalgic this tune is, how much it represented the Jordan era and the 1990’s in general.

I have to admit, it got to me a bit and I was the biggest Jordan hater who ever lived.

Zion Williamson is sure to be featured in a million more ads in his time for the New Orleans Pelicans, but none will be as iconic as this one.

“The Last Dance” has reminded fans just how huge Michael Jordan was and how his influence continues to resonate around the league.

The new Gatorade ad is a nod to that past while also looking forward to the present and future.