A day before the Pelicans' 2022-23 season opener against the Nets, Zion Williamson placed a simple message on his shirt: "I'm back."
As Brooklyn can now tell you, Williamson is, indeed, back.
The 22-year-old forward was electric on Wednesday night, totaling 25 points, nine rebounds, four steals and three assists in New Orleans' 130-108 victory.
He certainly didn't look like a player who hadn't played in a regular season game since May 4, 2021, showing exactly what made him an All-Star during the 2020-21 season.
MORE: Best highlights from Pelicans vs. Nets
Zion Williamson was a wrecking ball in the paint
In his last full season, Williamson led the NBA with 20.3 points in the paint per game, a mark nearly four points higher than Giannis Antetokounmpo. He picked up right where he left off against the Nets, scoring 22 of his 25 points in the paint.
He was comfortable operating out of the post...
walking mismatch.
— New Orleans Pelicans (@PelicansNBA) October 20, 2022
Zion's up to 17p on the night pic.twitter.com/NboXcmsAyt
... or attacking in space off the dribble.
New Orleans Pelicans | ATO Keep Set
— Half Court Hoops (@HalfCourtHoops) October 19, 2022
Great action to empty & fake for a Zion drive. pic.twitter.com/8IGFAoMFma
God, I missed watching Zion play basketball.
— Nekias (Nuh-KY-us) Duncan (@NekiasNBA) October 20, 2022
All-Defense guy gapping him and he chews up the space with one dribble and finishes through him. Special, special talent. pic.twitter.com/uqnrKLVM5b
Williamson's shot chart (11-of-22 from the field, 3-of-4 from the free throw line) tells the story:
Zion Williamson's explosiveness was on full display
Before Wednesday's game, Nets star Kevin Durant praised Williamson as a "one of one" type of player because he has a unique combination of size and athleticism.
"You've seen guys at that size, 6-7, that can get up and down the floor and move, but not at that level, though," Durant said.
After a long stretch of uncomfortable conversations about his weight and conditioning, Williamson came into the 2022-23 season in great shape and exploded to the rim multiple times against Brooklyn.
He will snag so many rebounds and score on easy putbacks because of his incredible second jump.
Zion muscles through the paint for his first basket in his return! #KiaTipOff22 pic.twitter.com/ZSriqWrxaW
— NBA (@NBA) October 20, 2022
And when a driver dishes the ball down to the dunker spot? Forget about it. Just slide out of the way.
Z SLAMS IT DOWN 💥 pic.twitter.com/EZKAsQFMyt
— New Orleans Pelicans (@PelicansNBA) October 20, 2022
Zion Williamson is still a work in progress defensively
The Pelicans had an impressive 97.0 defensive rating with Williamson on the floor. In addition to his four steals, he had a team-high five deflections. Those are all positive numbers.
However, Williamson still has room for improvement on the defensive end.
There are possession in which he gets too high in his stance and doesn't break down until it's too late. He is not quick enough laterally to keep up with smaller guards, so he must work one step ahead.
that was NICE @KyrieIrving pic.twitter.com/tBnVQusGLK
— Brooklyn Nets (@BrooklynNets) October 20, 2022
Williamson also made some mental mistakes on screening actions, though those issues can be ironed out with more experience and better communication with his teammates.
And really, this is nitpicking after a 22-point win. Overall, Pelicans fans couldn't have asked for a better performance from Williamson in his return.
Yep, he's back.
