Pelicans: Nikola Jokic Shows Zion Williamson 3 Ways to Be a Stretch-Five

New Orleans Pelicans: Zion Williamson Can Evolve into Jokic

Zion could be Pels’ Jokic

If you looked at Zion Williamson and Nikola Jokic you wouldn’t think there are too many similarities in their games, but there actually are.

Jokic uses his strength to bully his way to the hoop. Zion, check.

Jokic isn’t a great shooter, but can hit them if left alone. Zion, check.

Jokic draws a double team every time he touches the ball. Zion, check.

Jokic is surrounded not just by guys who can shoot, but who can also cut to the rim. Zion, check.

The biggest difference between the two is that Jokic is a deadly passer out of those double teams, much more creative and doesn’t just lower his head and bull his way to the hoop.

Zion is a 20-year-old rookie who has played 24 games, so the nuances of half court offense and finesse passing are still things he needs to learn, but it is not hard to imagine him getting there.

If Zion becomes a better passer out of double teams, he could be the stretch five the Pelicans want without shooting a ton of 3-pointers, just like Jokic.

The Pels obviously don’t want to play Zion at center all the time, as it would take its toll defensively, but in bursts they could absolutely use him at the top of the key to run dribble hand offs or pick-and-rollls.

The Pels also need to learn to cut and keep moving when Zion gets the ball in the post, as he could be an elite passer, which would make him nearly unstoppable.

The New Orleans Pelicans don’t have to scour the league for a seven-footer who can shoot threes but do nothing else, as there is more than one way to stretch the floor.

If Zion can pick up some of Jokic’s tricks, he could be a stretch-five himself, all without launching the 3-pointers the other team hopes he takes.