Zion Williamson was the headliner in Las Vegas on Friday. His opening act was a smash — actually, a series of smashes.
Two weeks after being the first pick in the NBA Draft, Williamson dunked all over a Knicks summer league lineup that included three potential regular-season starters, including his Duke teammate RJ Barrett. The Pelicans rookie's first taste of NBA ball looked pretty sweet.
Behold, the first highlight reel of the teen's pro career:
Zion's first quarter highlights! #SummerPelicans pic.twitter.com/YlgoCQnYKo
— New Orleans Pelicans (@PelicansNBA) July 6, 2019
MORE: Williamson is loving NBA spacing
Here's bonus footage of the play that people will be talking about: Williamson's rip of Kevin Knox, followed by a slam and a flex:
Zion showing off his strength EARLY 😳💪#NBASummer pic.twitter.com/dXLBYqtWum
— NBA TV (@NBATV) July 6, 2019
The performance hasn't been flawless — one of those potential Knicks starters, Mitchell Robinson, gave Williamson trouble, as shown in this sequence:
What a sequence for Mitchell Robinson 💪 #NBASummer pic.twitter.com/xGYExyvhDp
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) July 6, 2019
There's also the fact Williamson was minus-15 in his first stint on the court.
Williamson left in the second quarter after taking a knee-to-knee hit and did not return. The injury isn't expected to be serious, but the Pelicans can't be too safe with their young star.
Zion Williamson took knee to knee hit in first half. Will not return with left knee injury. It's not expected to be serious but the Pelicans are taking a cautious approach with their #1 pick during this summer league.
— Cassidy Hubbarth (@CassidyHubbarth) July 6, 2019
Nonetheless, the night has been entertaining. Big Easy fans should be dancing over their good fortune.
