The Pelicans are back in a big way after landing the first pick in the NBA Draft Lottery, which is almost guaranteed to be Duke phenom, Zion Williamson, the most hyped college prospect in nearly two decades.
Locked on Pelicans Podcast publisher Jake Madison says it’s impossible to overstate how big a deal it is for New Orleans basketball…
“In a matter of minutes their franchise did a complete 180. They now have a clear trajectory back to relevance and the playoffs, with the ability to draft Zion Williamson number one overall.”
The Pels only had a six percent chance to win the first pick, and the news inspired 2,500 new season ticket sales for the team last night.
Williamson quickly became the biggest draw in college basketball last season, and a human highlight reel with multiple dunks a game. The Pels analyst says Zion combines jaw dropping athleticism with a motor that just doesn’t stop.
“This is a guy who just has such strength, athleticism, and speed, that he’s almost unstoppable on his way to the basket. He’s a high flying dunk machine.”
Williamson averaged 23 points per game on 68 percent shooting, along with nearly nine rebounds, and two blocks in 33 games played. He’s six-foot-seven and 285 pounds.
Zion gives the franchise a clear future, but GM David Griffin has to sort out a messy present with reports circulating that star forward Anthony Davis still wants off the team. Madison says that issue just got a lot easier to fix with key potential trade partners grabbing good picks…
“The Knicks falling to three, the Lakers jumping to four, the Celtics still having a number of first round picks, these are all teams that are going to be strong suitors for Davis, and if there are more suitors then that should drive the prices up.”
The draft will be held June 20th.
