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NBA: 5 young players that are ideal to build a team around

By Daniel Outerbridge

MIAMI, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 28: Luka Doncic #77 of the Dallas Mavericks looks on prior to the game against the Miami Heat at American Airlines Arena on February 28, 2020 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 28: Luka Doncic #77 of the Dallas Mavericks looks on prior to the game against the Miami Heat at American Airlines Arena on February 28, 2020 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /
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NBA Zion Williamson (Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports) /

Zion Williamson, New Orleans Pelicans

When the New Orleans Pelicans received news that their superstar franchise player Anthony Davis requested to be traded to the Los Angeles Lakers in the summer of 2019, hopelessness and despair were the only words to describe what the fans had to be feeling around the time as the best thing that ever happened to the franchise walked out the door.

But then, a miracle fell into the Pelicans lap suddenly winning the Draft Lottery and was awarded the first overall selection in the 2019 NBA Draft. There was no question or debate about who the Pelicans were going to select with that coveted pick as they selected Zion Williamson from Duke University. From that moment on Pelicans fans embraced Williamson with the hope that he could become the savior for their franchise, and boy has Zion delivered big time.

In his very first NBA game at only 19 years old, Zion scored 22 points, grabbed seven boards to go along with three assists in only 18 minutes of action in his impressive debut. Zion went on to have a good rookie season which unfortunately was derailed by injury but his 2nd season in the league is when he really took off. Zion earned his first all-star selection while averaging 27 points and 7.2 rebounds per game while on a very efficient 61 percent from the field which are jaw-dropping stats for a player considered to still be improving.

Zion became the fourth-youngest player to be named to the all-star team behind Kobe Bryant, LeBron James and Magic Johnson. The Pelicans coaching staff experimented with letting Zion play a hybrid point forward and the results were outstanding as Zion was virtually unguardable especially when he attacked the basket. Zion, who is able to post up with quickness and agility, and as his jump shot should only continue to improve, could very well become the most dominant player in the league since Shaq.

Zion was the most hyped prospect since LeBron James and he showed why this past season and it will be exciting to see what he has in store in the future. Not only is his talent undeniable, he has a positive attitude, confidence and should be able to carry the Pelicans deep into the playoffs for years to come.

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