Zion Williamson may be the starting center for the New Orleans Pelicans on opening night. But does this designation necessarily classify him as a “big” in the somewhat ambiguous modern positional landscape? Reasonable people can have differing opinions, but here’s my conclusion.
No, Zion Williamson should not be considered a big man.
For one, he stands at just 6-foot-6. He is not an effective rebounder. He lacks the ability to protect the rim and struggles to defend legitimate centers. The fact that the Pelicans might start him at center or at least play him significant minutes in that position doesn’t change the reality of his role; it simply indicates that the team is in a difficult situation.
Williamson is essentially a wing player, officially listed as a power forward, but his game resembles that of a penetrator who frequently commences his possessions by either initiating the offense like a point guard or making cuts from the perimeter. Once he gets moving, he possesses substantial advantages in the paint due to his strength and lower-center leverage, contributing to his explosive athleticism. If given the chance to build momentum, he can be virtually unstoppable.
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It’s worth noting that Jalen Brunson also dominates many of his positional peers in the paint, especially down low, but this doesn’t categorize him as a big man either. Zion has advantages as a wing player but significant drawbacks in the role of a big. You can certainly view the situation this way as well.
<pUltimately, it reinforces that Zion is a wing. Below is a breakdown of our positional rankings, featuring the top 10 wings heading into the 2024-25 season, as determined by our 10 NBA analysts.
Top 100 rank: 33
Indiana’s defensive improvement is closely tied to the addition of Siakam, and that’s no fluke. Offensively, he serves as the vital second scorer the Pacers needed alongside Tyrese Haliburton. Known for being a transition powerhouse and possessing unique footwork, Siakam can create opportunities outside of structured plays, and I maintain that he is a more effective 3-point shooter than his statistics suggest. During certain playoff stretches, Siakam performed like a true star, leading the Pacers to reward him with a max contract. – Brad Botkin
Top 100 rank: 22
Butler is exactly what he is: an elite player who conserves energy during the regular season to unleash peak performances in the playoffs. His statistics are comprehensive, and his impact is always evident. Last season, the Heat outscored opponents by 1.7 points per 100 possessions, according to Cleaning the Glass; this number shot up to plus eight points per 100 when Butler was
The 2023-24 season for the Pelicans has concluded, but this time it felt different. His absence during the playoffs was disappointing, not merely because it stirred discussions regarding his conditioning and commitment, but rather because his performance in the months leading up to it had significantly shifted the narrative.
Williamson suffered a hamstring strain while attempting a floater over Anthony Davis to level the score during New Orleans’ crucial play-in matchup against the Lakers. That shot marked his 40th point; on one of the most prominent stages of his career, he delivered one of his best performances, spearheading a fourth-quarter comeback that ultimately fell short after he left the game.
In the best shape of his career, Williamson demonstrated his ability to handle substantial minutes while taking on a demanding playmaking role and competing defensively like never before. He participated in a career-high 70 regular-season games, and towards the end, he even attempted a few jump shots when defenders sagged off him. Now, the Pelicans expect him to perform like an MVP candidate for an entire season while they work on assembling a roster that provides the necessary defenders and shooters to facilitate a significant improvement. — James Herbert
Top 100 rank: 20
Last season, George finally found himself healthy, reaching the 70-game milestone for the first time since 2019. Unfortunately, the Clippers’ aspirations were once again thwarted by an injury in the playoffs, this time affecting Kawhi Leonard. Consequently, five years after rejoining Los Angeles, George packed his belongings and signed with Philadelphia during free agency. Although he’s not the player he once was in his prime and injuries remain a concern, he continues to be an outstanding two-way wing, fit to partner with Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey. — Jack Maloney
Top 100 rank: 18
Though injuries sidelined him during the playoffs again, it’s worth noting that Leonard played in 68 games last season. Throughout most of that time, he showcased his status as one of the top players in the league, averaging 23 points per game with an impressive true shooting percentage exceeding 62%. He remains one of the deadliest pull-up shooters, capable of creating space in critical moments, as evidenced by his 1.2 points per possession in isolation — the most efficient mark among players with more than a 15% isolation frequency. From the start of the year through late February, Leonard made an impressive 46% of his three-point attempts, averaging almost five tries per game. — Brad Botkin
Top 100 rank: 15
Nearly a decade ago, Brown was introduced to the league amidst boos from Celtics fans displeased with the selection of him at No. 3 in the 2016 NBA Draft. Now, he stands as a franchise icon and one of Boston’s most cherished athletes. He solidified his status during a remarkable playoff run, where he made two pivotal shots: a game-tying three-pointer in the last seconds of Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals and a game-clinching jumper in Game 3 of the Finals. He received both the Eastern Conference finals MVP and Finals MVP titles. Nowadays, there are far fewer jokes regarding Brown’s left hand or his $300M contract. — Jack Maloney
Top 100 rank: 10
Edwards surged from 22nd place on this list last year to 10th this time, highlighting his remarkable rise to stardom. He achieved career-high averages across the board last season, made his inaugural All-NBA appearance, and led the Timberwolves to the Western Conference finals, upsetting the defending champion Nuggets in the process. Early in the Wolves’ playoff journey, comparisons to Michael Jordan — at least in terms of style — were made. Over the summer, he reaffirmed his standing as one of the game’s premier talents by taking a leading role in Team USA’s gold medal campaign. — Jack Maloney
Top 100 rank: 9
Durant remains at the peak of his capabilities. Last season, he averaged 27 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists, shooting 41% from three-point range. Perhaps most notably, he played in 75 games — his highest total since leaving Golden State. There were whispers that he was dissatisfied with how Frank utilized him, but his performance continues to underscore his elite status in the league.
Vogel. Observing the impact of Mike Budenholzer on Durant’s shooting positions, shot selection, and ball reception—whether it be from stationary positions or off his favored pin-down screens—will be fascinating. Regardless, Durant stood out as the premier isolation scorer in basketball last season. — Brad Botkin
Top 100 rank: 8
LeBron James has recently made history by becoming the oldest player to earn an MVP award in any competition featuring active NBA players, being recognized as the most valuable player of the 2024 Olympics. This achievement surpasses the record he previously established during the NBA’s inaugural In-Season Tournament. While it may be unrealistic to expect this upcoming quadragenarian to hold the title of the NBA’s best player throughout an 82-game season, one should not underestimate the level of intimidation he still brings to his opponents. The exact number of MVP awards he may accumulate as he ages remains uncertain, but when necessary, LeBron can still tap into the skill and intensity that earned him his initial accolade. — Sam Quinn
Top 100 rank: 7
Tatum has achieved his dream of becoming an NBA champion. Along this journey, he surpassed his idol, Kobe Bryant, becoming the player with the most playoff points prior to turning 27. He joins the ranks of legends like Larry Bird, Hakeem Olajuwon, Tim Duncan, LeBron James, and Nikola Jokic as one of the few players to secure a championship while leading his team in points, rebounds, and assists during the playoffs. Although Tatum did not claim the Eastern Conference Finals or Finals MVP awards, he was pivotal in securing Boston’s historic 18th title. Few players, if any, match the versatility of the Celtics star, who stands as one of only three players to be named to the All-NBA First Team for three consecutive seasons. – Jack Maloney
Zion Williamson: Wing or Big Man? Debating His Role in the Pelicans’ Starting Lineup
The Evolution of Zion Williamson
Zion Williamson’s journey in the NBA has generated considerable excitement and debate regarding his role within the New Orleans Pelicans. As a player who possesses both size and agility, discussions often center on whether he should be positioned as a wing or a big man. This article delves into his strengths, the current dynamics of the Pelicans’ roster, and how his role influences the team’s performance.
Understanding Zion’s Skill Set
Zion Williamson stands at 6’6″ and weighs around 284 pounds, blending the attributes of both a forward and a center. His unique skill set allows him to excel in various positions on the court:
- Scoring Ability: Williamson’s explosive athleticism and remarkable finishing ability make him a scoring threat in the paint.
- Passing Skills: His vision and ability to distribute the basketball challenge traditional positional play, allowing him to facilitate from different areas.
- Defensive Versatility: Although primarily known for his offensive prowess, he can guard multiple positions, showcasing his adaptability on defense.
The Case for Zion as a Wing
Proponents of placing Zion Williamson as a wing highlight several key advantages:
- Speed and Agility: His quick first step and ability to drive past defenders create mismatches, making him lethal on the wing.
- Spacing the Floor: As a wing, Zion can utilize his shooting range to stretch defenses, potentially opening driving lanes for teammates.
Benefits of Wing Positioning
By playing Zion at the wing, the Pelicans could harness his strengths in ways that align with modern NBA trends:
- Enhanced Offensive Flow: Increased spacing allows for better ball movement and drives to the basket.
- Defensive Matchups: It can free him from the physical toll of battling larger opponents in the post, potentially extending his career.
The Case for Zion as a Big Man
Conversely, those who argue for Zion’s role as a big man emphasize his physicality and dominant inside presence:
- Post Dominance: With his size and strength, Williamson can overpower smaller defenders, making him a significant threat in the low post.
- Rebounding Ability: His athleticism allows him to excel on the boards, providing the team with crucial second-chance opportunities.
Benefits of Playing Zion as a Big Man
Utilizing Zion in the post can optimize the Pelicans’ offensive and defensive strategies:
- Defensive Anchor: As a big man, he can protect the rim and deter opponents from driving to the basket.
- Offensive Rebounding: His ability to secure offensive boards creates additional scoring opportunities.
Current Roster Dynamics
Understanding where Zion fits in the Pelicans roster is essential for evaluating his role:
- Complementary Players: The presence of players like Jonas Valančiūnas offers the Pelicans flexibility, as they can play alongside each other without sacrificing offensive efficiency.
- Coach’s Strategy: Head Coach Willie Green’s approach to player positioning will heavily influence how Zion is utilized throughout the season.
Case Studies: Performance Analysis
| Game | Position Played | Points | Rebounds</th | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Game 1 | Wing | 30 | 5 | 7 |
| Game 2 | Big Man | 25 | 12 | 3 |
| Game 3 | Wing | 28 | 4 | 9 |
First-Hand Experience: Insights from Teammates
Teammates have noted a noticeable difference in Zion’s game this season. Veteran center Larry Nance Jr. commented on Williamson’s focus and maturity, suggesting that as he evolves, so does his understanding of his role within the team [[1](https://www.nba.com/pelicans/news/focused-zion-williamson-a-consistent-force-during-new-orleans-surge-in-west)]. This evolution includes being more deliberate in his positioning and decision-making, whether as a wing or a big man.
Practical Tips for Maximizing Zion’s Impact
To fully leverage Zion Williamson’s skills, here are practical tips for the Pelicans coaching staff and players:
- Flexible Positioning: Rotating him between wing and big man depending on matchups can keep defenses off balance.
- Incorporate Pick-and-Roll Plays: Utilizing his ability to roll to the basket can create opportunities for high-percentage shots.
- Focus on Conditioning: Ensuring he maintains peak physical condition will help reduce injury risk while allowing him to excel in any position.
Conclusion: Finding the Optimal Role
The debate around Zion Williamson’s role as either a wing or a big man continues among analysts, fans, and the Pelicans organization. Understanding his skill set, monitoring roster dynamics, and leveraging practical strategies will be key to unlocking his full potential and leading the Pelicans toward success in the upcoming season.
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