Dear NBA, Zion Williamson is Back

Zion Williamson the first overall pick in the 2019 NBA draft made his NBA debut Wednesday night against the San Antonio Spurs. 

The Pelicans Rookie from Duke was sidelined the majority of the season due to repair a torn right meniscus. Not to mention, He left his summer-league debut in July after nine minutes with a bruised left knee, but it wasn't considered a serious issue. 

The 19-year-old averaged 23.3 points on 71.4 percent shooting and 6.5 rebounds in four Preseason games so the countdown to his return was highly anticipated. 

After a slow start (5 pts. and 2 TO) Zion finished with 22 points, seven rebounds and three assists in 18 minutes. He exploded in the fourth quarter, scoring 17 straight points for the Pelicans in one stretch. Besides, he went 4-4 from the three-point line. 

In those final minutes, the San Antonio Spurs gained control and won 121-117. Lamarcus Aldridge led the charge with 32 points, 14 rebounds and 2 blocks. The Spurs finished the game with six players in double figures.

Even in the opposing locker room, the conversation eventually shifted to Williamson's big night.

"He's special, you know? I hope he can stay healthy and be able to put it together. The sky's the limit for him." DeRozan said. 

Rookie of the year frontrunner Ja Morant from The Memphis Grizzlies congratulated his former AAU teammate via Twitter.

Furthermore, The Pelicans are currently 12th in the Western Conference so for a shot at a playoff berth they can’t afford to lose many more games. 

Williamson said his NBA debut was everything he dreamed of, except for the loss. That part, he hopes, will change his next time out. 

"Just the energy the crowd brought, the energy the city brought, it was electric, and I'm just grateful that they did that," Williamson said. "It was a dream come true to finally get out there; but at the end of the day, I did want to win, so just got to look to the next game."