New Orleans Pelicans: 10 Most Valuable NBA Players

#4: Zion Williamson, New Orleans Pelicans

The fact that Zion Williamson has only played 19 games for the New Orleans Pelicans and is still this high on the list shows just how valuable the rookie is. Zion is the youngest player on this list, the only rookie and probably the only guy who has a legitimate chance of taking the number one spot as early as next season.

Jersey Sales:  Zion is just 15th in jersey sales, which seems low for the New Orleans Pelicans’ rookie. But when you consider it is his first season and that he plays in one of the smallest markets in all of professional sports, 15th is actually really high. The New Orleans Pelicans are not one of the marquee teams in the NBA, so you have to be special to move merch in The Big Easy.
Importance to team: We saw exactly how important Zion is to the New Orleans Pelicans when he returned. The Pelicans not only started winning at a higher rate, but were the talk of the entire league. The New Orleans Pelicans have plenty of young talent and marketable players, but no one was talking about them outside of Zion. It’s sad that players like Brandon Ingram and Lonzo Ball get overlooked but Zion is the face of the New Orleans Pelicans and its most important player both on and off the court.
Importance to the future of the league: The NBA must think Zion is pretty important because they are setting him up to be the next face of the NBA. Not only are Zion highlights a mainstay on ESPN and other outlets, but Zion is picking up endorsements left and right and has aligned himself with Michael Jordan as a brand. Smart move. If Zion can stay healthy he will be the best player the New Orleans Pelicans have ever had and has a chance to be an ambassador for the city, state, league and country. He is only 19-years-old and may be the single most important player to the league moving forward.

#3: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks

Giannis is the reigning MVP, likely to repeat, leads the best team in the NBA and is well-liked around the league and overseas. He is currently the best basketball player on planet Earth, but somehow only lands at third on our list.

Jersey Sales:  Giannis is 2nd overall in jersey sales, a monumental feat considering he plays in a state more known for football and cheese and has a name that barely fits on the back of a jersey. Giannis’ MVP and style of play obviously boosted him into the upper echelon of merch movers.
Importance to team: If Giannis were not on the Bucks they would be terrible, it’s that simple. Most casual fans can’t even name another Buck, so unlike many on this list, Giannis’ team would be in the lottery without him, even in the East. He is the most important athlete to play in Wisconsin since Aaron Rogers and that’s saying something in a state where the NBA Is a third-tier sport behind football and baseball.

Importance to the future of the league: Giannis has captured the imagination of fans around the world and will definitely be one of the faces of the league moving forward. One of, but not “the.” Giannis is funny, has a decent social media presence and has worldwide appeal, but he is still not a household name outside of NBA circles. This could be because no one can pronounce or spell his name, or that he plays for the Bucks or that he hasn’t yet played in the Finals. Once Giannnis gets to the Finals and wins a title, he will probably take over first place on this list, but until then he’s the Greek Freak to most and not as valuable as the next two guys.