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Recently watching Zion Williamson's games, one can observe that the absolute strength and potential he displays on the court are being greatly realized. However, when Williamson first entered the NBA, there were concerns about whether his massive 6-foot-6, 284-pound frame would put him at risk of injury when he leaps into the air...
The 2023-24 season marks Williamson's second-highest number of appearances, and if it continues, it will be his career-high season in terms of games played. In an interview in 2016, Williamson talked about how he learned to control his body and athleticism: "I suddenly got these newfound athletic abilities. I don't know where it came from. I just embraced it, and now, I have the ball-handling skills and physique to easily take on my defenders, no matter their size."
As the current season progresses, Williamson is gradually approaching his peak condition, although not fully there yet. Whether Williamson can fully leverage his athletic talents, he is not seeking highs and lows but rather finding stability, showcasing the crucial balance for long-term survival in the NBA.
Williamson's goal this season is to stabilize his appearances, averaging slightly more points per game than his rookie season, but the Pelicans now position him as the focal point of their offense, resulting in his career-high average of 5 assists per game. Although the stats may not be particularly eye-catching, the Pelicans' current ranking at 5th in the Western Conference and 4th in efficiency reflects the effectiveness of his change in play style.
Compared to young stars like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Tyrese Haliburton, and Anthony Edwards, who are already under consideration for Most Valuable Player, Williamson's performance isn't outstanding. His presence feels more like background music—known to be there but not particularly noticeable. The transformation of the Pelicans' second star, Brandon Ingram, mirrors Williamson's, with a decrease in scoring but consistent appearances (despite recent injuries), and their combined appearances exceeding 22 games together for only the second time in five seasons.
Another reason for the Pelicans' relatively low profile is related to fan perception. Although this season is one of their best in nearly six seasons and they have a chance to challenge for 50 wins again since the 2007-08 season, their semifinal loss in the midseason tournament to the Lakers by 44 points, coupled with poor records in previous seasons due to star injuries, makes it difficult to ignite fan passion.
However, the situation is about to change. The Pelicans are within striking distance of the top 4 in the West, and while the Thunder and Timberwolves—two top Western teams with young talent—have received much praise, the Pelicans are also beginning to garner attention, doing so in their unique style.
Oddly enough, the Pelicans' success starts with defense, although it's not what their two stars excel at. Williamson has elite explosiveness and physicality, and Ingram possesses unstoppable isolation and mid-range skills, but Herb Jones's defense is the team's impressive skill.
Jones' one-on-one defense is akin to a world-class fencer, with lightning-fast anticipation created by top-notch agility and reflexes that give the illusion of precognition, especially when he excels in weak-side help defense, consistently disrupting opponents' rhythm. "Ed Reed is my favorite player. I watch his highlights every day. He's a typical American football safety, and I think a lot of his actions are purely instinctual. When he takes risks on the field, they always pay off, and I believe I can act like him too."
Jones has become the defensive core of the Pelicans, with even star players having to adapt to his movements. Williamson has regained his collegiate defensive awareness and coverage, while Ingram has found ways to utilize his physique and impact opponents at the right times and places. Other role players like Alvarado, Trey Murphy III, Naji Marshall, Larry Nance Jr., and Dyson Daniels form the Pelicans' deep and varied defensive arsenal, allowing head coach Willie Green to adjust based on opponent lineups.
The Pelicans face a sweet contradiction as they approach the playoffs, with their key players seemingly reaching their peak. Williamson's March individual plus-minus rating reached 7.5, with an efficiency rating as high as 11.2. Although other stats haven't seen significant improvements, his offensive initiation and ball-handling abilities have notably increased. Ingram's mid-range and difficult shot-making are important weapons for the Pelicans to overcome adversity.
In addition to the two main stars, Jones boasts a three-point shooting percentage of up to 43.1%, while CJ McCollum provides consistent offensive output, averaging 18.3 points, 4.3 rebounds, and a 41.3% three-point shooting rate. Trey Murphy III boasts a 45.1% three-point shooting rate and an average of 4 made shots per game in March.
In terms of roster depth, the Pelicans have a variety of offensive and defensive weapons, including agile one-on-one defenders, 3-and-D shooters, offensive initiators, traditional centers, defensive-minded wings, and disruptive guards. |
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Post time 5-4-2024 21:39:44
