New Orleans Pelicans: Morant will Win Award, but Zion is the Best Rookie

New Orleans Pelicans’ rookie Zion Williamson is the best of his class.

Yeah, I know. Ja Morant is going to win Rookie of the Year. But anyone who has watched the games knows that New Orleans Pelicans‘ sensation Zion Williamson is actually the best rookie.

I understand that games played matters, as you have to be on the court to have an effect. Zion has played in just 22 games, while Morant has played 62 in his rookie effort.

I also don’t want to take anything away from Morant, who has been spectacular this year, on the court more than Zion and is clearly one of the best young players in the game.

He averages 17.7 points and seven assists, numbers that will garner him most of the Rookie of the Year votes.

Morant is great, but Zion is simply better.

When Zion is on the floor, the other team has to completely change their game plan. He is almost impossible to stop one-on-one and even when he misses, he often grabs his own offensive rebound and slams it home.

Zion had an off night last night, shooting just 9-21 but still ended the game with 23 points, seven rebounds and five assists.

Morant also shot poorly, hitting just five of 21 and going one for ten from long-range. He ended the night with just 11 points and struggled to hit anything.

The New Orleans Pelicans have dominated the Grizzlies and Morant.

Jrue Holiday was able to put the clamps on Morant again last night and has pretty much owned him in all of the matchups.

The Pelicans are now 3-0 against the Grizzlies on the season, with all wins in double digits and one a complete blowout. Morant was really a non-factor in all of them.

I know the Grizzlies have won more games overall, mostly due to much better health and a more favorable early season schedule, but the Pelicans are a better team at full strength, that much is clear.

In the three games against the Pelicans this season, Morant has scored just 43 points and went 0-3. Zion played in just two of those games, scored 47 points and won them both.

I know voters are going to reward Morant for being in the games, but simply playing more games shouldn’t be the only measure.

I’m ok with Morant winning the award, but we all know Zion Williamson is the best rookie in the NBA.