Zion Williamson responds to all the recent controversy

Sometimes, when I’m sitting in the car alone, I come up with random maxims for random things. Recently, I was thinking about movies and how the best films are able to send a message without having their characters directly say it. It was at this time of reflection that I came up (or at least I think I came up) with this axiom: “Expression through dialogue is easy. But expression through action is the ultimate form of art.”

And when you think about it, basketball is a lot like film. Basketball (and sports in general) is a medium for athletes to express their inner thoughts. And just like with film, it is easy to tell people what you are going to do or how you feel. But it is way cooler when you show people what you are going to do or how you feel.

Over the last few weeks, New Orleans Pelicans superstar Zion Williamson has been smothered with controversy. Whether it be questions about his focus, concerns with his health, or rumors that the Pelicans may be looking to move him, the last couple weeks have represented a trying time for Williamson.

So how has Williamson responded? Not by releasing some corny public service announcement explaining his thoughts on the situation and outlining what he intends to do in order to prove his naysayers wrong. No, instead he responded to all the noise by displaying the same attribute that made him one of the most tantalizing prospects of the 21st century: his athleticism.

That dunk shows that, despite missing the final 45 games of the season with a strained hamstring, Williamson still has his God-given explosiveness. But even more than that, it should serve as a subtle (but simultaneously loud) reminder of the athletic feats Williamson is capable of when his body allows it.

Notice how he doesn’t tell us that he’s been putting in the requisite work to get back to 100%? He shows us his progress with that 360 degree slam. That is expression through action. That is the ultimate form of basketball art.