Zion Williamson is headed to New Orleans.
The Pelicans selected the former Duke star with the No. 1 pick in the 2019 NBA Draft on Thursday and nobody was surprised. After all, Williamson put together one of the most captivating freshman seasons ever in 2018-19.
The 6-7 forward averaged 22.6 points and 8.9 rebounds per game while shooting an impressive 68% from the field in his lone season with the Blue Devils.
He collected some notable accolades along the way, as well. Williamson was a first-team All-American, Naismith National College Player of the Year, ACC Player of the Year, ACC Rookie of the Year and won the Karl Malone Award. He is just the third freshmen in history to take home the Naismith Award.
Williamson, 18, will step into an interesting situation in New Orleans. The Pelicans have agreed to send star Anthony Davis to the Lakers in exchange for Brandon Ingram, Lonzo Ball, Josh Hart and three first-round picks, including the No. 4 selection in 2019.
New Orleans suddenly has an influx of young talent, and Williamson will likely be the face of the franchise from day one.
Williamson is expected to play a pivotal role in transforming last year's 33-49 Pelicans into a title contender in the coming years.