Last season, New Orleans missed out on a big part of Zion Williamson’s rookie campaign because of injury.

This campaign, the 20-year-old all-around forward is proving why the hype around him is as big as LeBron James’ rookie year back in 2003.

“Zhanos” was selected as the first overall pick of the 2019 NBA Draft. Because of an injury, Williamson only played a total of 24 games, as the Pelicans understandably wanted to be cautious with him.

Despite the low number of games that he played, the 6’7 beast still played big last season, averaging 22.5 points, 6.3 rebounds, 2.1 assists while shooting 58.3% in just 27.8 minutes of playing time.

This season, Williamson is putting up All-Star numbers in just his sophomore year. He’s already played 26 games this season and in 32.5 minutes of playing time, he’s been averaging 24.6 points in 61.5% shooting from the field with 6.8 rebounds and 3.0 assists per game.

Despite a stellar season from Brandon Ingram, who’s been averaging 23.9 points, 5.4 rebounds, 4.8 assists in 47.0% shooting from the field and 40.5% shooting from the three-point line, there’s no doubt that Williamson is going to be “The Man” of the team.

Williamson’s freakish athleticism is guaranteed to give us at least one highlight play a game, and he’s been bullying veterans and making them look like little kids.

In their most recent game, the Duke university product led the Pelicans to a 144-113, win over Memphis by putting up 31 points, seven rebounds, six assists and two steals in just 13-16 shooting from the field.

He’s also just made a little bit of history early in his career. It’s recently been pointed out that he’s the first player to average 23 points on 60% or better shooting from the field for the first 50 games of his career.

New Orleans is currently outside the top eight in the Western Conference with a 12-15 record but despite the fact, they’re still very competitive only a few games back behind Dallas (13-15), Grizzlies (11-12) and Golden State (15-13).

A consistent stellar performance from Williamson could just be the igniter that the Pelicans need to have a big run and reach the playoffs or make the play-in tournament at the end of the season.

Do you think the Pelicans will make it to the playoffs? Do you think Zhanos will be an All-Star? Sound off in the comment section!