Zion Williamson is only in his second season for the New Orleans Pelicans and he might already be the best power forward in the Western Conference.
He does have some stiff competition but when you look at the numbers, he definitely has a case.
Zion has improved in almost every statistical category this season, has improved his defense, playmaking and passing and is likely on his way to his first All-Star game.
All-NBA isn’t out of the question, especially if the Pelicans can make a run at the playoffs.
With the majority of the league’s best power forwards in the Eastern Conference, Zion Williamson is making his case as the best player at his position in the West.
His only real competition is from former Pelican Anthony Davis, who is having his typical stat-filling season. So where does Zion Williamson stand among power forwards in the West?
Let’s take a look.
New Orleans Pelicans: Where does Zion Williamson rank among power forwards in the West?
Of the top-ten power forwards in the NBA, only two of them come from the Western Conference.
Zion Williamson is ranked 1st in scoring among power forwards in the West, edging out Anthony Davis by 1.5 points.
Zion’s seven rebounds per game ranks 4th among power forwards in the West and his 2.9 assists are 3rd, just behind Draymond Green and Davis.
Zion is 7th in steals and 8th in blocks and has the highest PER for all power forwards in the Western Conference.
His field goal percentage is the highest in the NBA among power forwards and is leading the West by a mile.
If you are only looking at offensive stats then Zion Williamson can easily make a claim as the best power forward in his conference.
But defense counts and Zion is not quite there yet, while Davis will still be in the running for Defensive Player of the Year.
Anthony Davis is still the best power forward in the West for now, but Zion Williamson is right on his heels and with a little defensive improvement will catch him very soon.
Zion’s ceiling is basically a generational superstar but he deserves recognition now.
Zion deserves to make the All-Star team whether he is voted in or not. He won’t start this year but I wouldn’t be shocked if he does next year, which will make the Davis trade look even better for the Pelicans.