All eyes are on Zion and the Knicks.
Zion Williamson was destined to go No. 1 overall in the 2019 NBA Draft, but there was a lot for the Knicks’ fans around the world, the Pelicans came out of luck, winning the draft lottery and selecting Retail.
On Sunday, Williamson played his first professional game at MSG, losing to the Knicks in 122–112, but budding superstars could not help but when asked what it was playing in the world’s most famous region.
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“I’m glad you really asked,” Williamson said with a heavy grin. “New York is the mecca of basketball.” I like to play here. I played here in college, this is my first time playing in the pros here. I mean, this atmosphere, whether they are happy for you or a boon for you, is amazing.
“Honestly, I think – outside of New Orleans, obviously – I think this might be my favorite place to play outside of New Orleans. I can’t even lie to you. I can’t lie to you. “
Williamson couldn’t hide his ear-to-ear smile and even “outside New Orleans” seemed a bit, well, cliche in delivery. Could this be a dog whistle for Knicks fans? (They hope so.)
Reports suggested that the then Duke prodigy was upset when the Pelicans were named the winners of the 2019 draft lottery, who wanted New York to land instead of the No. 1 pick. Knox finished with the No. 3 overall pick and picked Williamson’s former Duke runmate, RJ Barrett.
Zion Williamson was quickly thrown out of the room after Pelion was declared the winner of the draft lottery. The source said the former Duke star was ready to move to New York, but is now moving to New Orleans.
– Mark J. Spears (@MarcJSpears) 15 May 2019
New York, always in search of the next Big Apple star, has played above expectations in 2020-21, the first season under coach Tom Thibodo. Following their victory in New Orleans – The Knicks 3-0 vs. Zion and the Pels this year – they sit in sixth place in the Eastern Conference and are on a six-game winning streak.
As Barrett in Julius Randall and one of the NBA’s most improved players, the Knicks can finally right the ship.
Could that ship be the one Zion wants to board? Time will tell.
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