Zion Williamson continues to impress fans since the preseason activities began at the Pelicans. To start with, the 24-year-old showed up at the Media Day in arguably his best shape in recent years. He followed up on that opening act with a performance that announced his intent for the season – better than before, ready and raring to go with a new skill to boot.
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He logged 16 points, eight rebounds, and three assists in the first preseason game – a 106-104 victory over Orlando. In the second preseason outing, against the Heat, Pelicans lost 101-99. However, Zion was consistent again, with 13 points, two rebounds, and two assists.
Against the Heat, the NOLA forward executed a brilliant pull-up jumper in the first quarter. Coming down the floor with the ball in hand against Bam Adebayo’s defense, Williamson pulled up from the top of the key with a smooth J that surprised pretty much everyone.
The Pelicans star is mostly known for his bully ball in the paint. This new skill — which he has clearly worked on in the offseason — can turn out to be deadly as things progress in the upcoming campaign.
Zion’s work within five feet of the basket is impressive. The two-time All-Star shoots with an efficiency of 64.4% from that range. He loses consistency from the five to nine feet range, shooting a measly 34.2%.
Williamson is already a dominant force when it comes to driving to the basket and finishing at the rim. The former #1 pick has also improved his passing and playmaking skills. A mid-range jumper could be the missing element that can finally transform Zion from a star to a superstar.
Zion Williamson with a reliable mid-range jumper
The shot he pulled off against Adebayo was fairly contested. Zion also looked completely at ease while scoring.
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Evidently, he has been drilling the pull-up jumper a lot. There are clips online from months ago that show the 24-year-old practicing the move.
Though he can definitely shoot, Williamson has been a little reluctant to go for it right through his career. He hesitates even from the perimeter, which gives an opening for defenders to close down on him.
The attempt to transform that we see from him now must be driven by the realization that a mid-range game is a necessity now. It is, after all, the age where teams can’t survive without the 3-ball.
Zion’s game has provided him good results in the past. Pelican, looking to pose a serious challenge in the stacked Western Conference, would want more from him. The good news is that Williamson is keen to step it up too. If this shot is any indication, he will trouble defenses with the added versatility in his arsenal. It’s going to be a long season for the other teams in the West. Just that he needs to use it often.
