Zion Williamson made his preseason debut for the New Orleans Pelicans in a 104-92 win against the Orlando Magic. It was Zion’s first NBA game since January 2023.
Zion scored 16 points, three rebounds, three assists, and five steals against the Magic tonight in a performance that has instantly reminded everyone why Zion was so highly touted as the No. 1 overall pick in 2019.
Zion looks like he’s back. Moving very well out there 👀🔥
16 points
5 steals
2 blocks
In only 15 minutes
(🎥 @IQfor3) https://t.co/YUW8mzlM77
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) October 18, 2023
His talent means nothing until he’s healthy for a full season, but watching him play is often a mesmerizing affair. There is nothing that can be done to stop him, with the Pelicans having a genuine weapon of destruction on the court with Zion.
Fans around the league could not believe how Williamson was looking, claiming the Pelicans would be one of the most dangerous teams in the West whenever Zion was healthy and playing.
NBA Fans Think Zion Williamson Is Back
The reaction to Zion’s performance on the night has been largely positive, with all fans recognizing that the Pelicans will be a threat in the packed West if they get this version of Zion on the court.
If Zion is able to stay healthy this Pelicans team can be dangerous in the West
— Grace (@gracesportakes) October 18, 2023
One fan was unimpressed, saying he’s seen both Zion and Ben Simmons be big in the preseason before invariably getting hurt during the season.
Zion and Ben Simmons do this shit every year and yall still manage to fall for it. Amazing.
— Freeze (@OfficiallyIce) October 18, 2023
Another fan couldn’t figure out how Zion can be stopped when he’s motivated to win.
https://twitter.com/iamjamesnumber1/status/1714453204090409002
More fans loved seeing his activity on defense and improved playmaking.
https://twitter.com/Sageof6turtles/status/1714455227510771920
Writer Shamit Dua openly declared Zion as someone who’s ready for the 2023/24 NBA season based on how good he looked in this preseason debut.
Zion is ready for the season, that's my biggest take away from tonight. Looks great out there
— Shamit Dua (@FearTheBrown) October 17, 2023
Some fans were concerned that Zion has lost a touch of his explosiveness.
He’s not jumping has high has before. Looks less explosive
— The Sperm Who Won (@LonoBristol) October 18, 2023
Zion was admittedly amazing against the Magic and will have to continue putting in performances like these without letting his body pick up too many knacks. His size and strength will lead to teams and players fouling him constantly, which could be an injury risk for the young star.
He averaged 26.0 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 4.6 assists in just 29 games last season and was still named an All-Star, which goes to show how talented he can be if his health is on his side.
Zion Williamson Expected To Stay Healthy
This summer is allegedly one of the best summers for Zion in the NBA, with many sources claiming that the Pelicans forward is in the best shape of his career and has been taking his rehab very seriously. We know David Griffin and the fans are expecting Zion to stay healthy, but his teammates are also concerned this season.
“Teammates, they want to see it to believe it. They want to see Zion Williamson come in, the shape he’s in. They want to see if he’s ready to go. They know if he plays 60, 70 games, this is a team that can compete.”
With members of the roster fighting out on the court and losing because the superstar player is always hurt, it can cause a lot of dissent in the squad. Even though everyone is likely understanding of Zion’s situation, this needs to be the season where he finds some good luck with his health and leads the Pelicans to a top-six seed by being available for most of the year.
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