The New Orleans Pelicans might have their most talented roster since relocating from Charlotte in 2002. Looking to capitalize on 2019 No. 1 pick Zion Williamson’s potential, the Pelicans have surrounded him with several stars and multiple high-caliber defenders. There’s just one problem, really. Well, besides the trouble that they’re having keeping the team together.
If New Orleans wants to start their five best players, Williamson may have to start at center.
Pelicans Starting Lineup Plans Require Zion Williamson Change
“I’m not dead set on (starting a true center). I’m pretty undecided,” Green reveals, per The Athletic’s William Guillory. “When we get to camp, I think your team helps you make those decisions… There are going to be a ton of games when we don’t have a traditional center on the floor.”
Even if Williamson does start at center, his passing is still a strength that the Pelicans want to make use of. The addition of Dejounte Murray brought in a point guard that can organize the offense, which they didn’t have last season. Even still, Williamson is a playmaker who can add color to New Orleans’ gameplan.
“This is something I think people have a really difficult time getting their mind around when they see him. Zion grew up a point guard,” says Pelicans executive vice president David Griffin. “He grew up with the ball in his hands. He literally identifies the game by facing the basket and handling the ball. He’s never been traditional as a big in any way, shape or form…”
“When people talk about, ‘Who’s going to play the five?’ I don’t know, but you can call Zion a six if you want to,” he adds.
Pros, Cons of Zion at Center
If New Orleans doesn’t start a traditional center, instead playing Williamson as a small-ball five, here’s what the first unit could look like: Williamson, Murray, CJ McCollum, Brandon Ingram, and Herb Jones.
If Jones (an All-Defensive selection in 2023-24) isn’t in the lineup, 2021 No. 17 pick Trey Murphy III is the most feasible choice. Murphy is a more natural jump shooter than Jones, making him a better off-ball outlet.
In either configuration, the pace will quicken and the ball-movement will flow with greater fluidity. Williamson will be able to use his athleticism to beat big men off the dribble or as a pick-and-roll ball-handler. If he can increase his efficiency from beyond the arc, it helps everyone score in the paint, including him. He could be a mismatch nightmare.
There are questions about whether he can hold up defensively though.
At 6-foot-6, Williamson would be pretty undersized as a center, even factoring in his 6-foot-10 wingspan. Furthermore, whether Jones or Murphy started, their tallest player would be 6-foot-8. The Pelicans might need a committee to hold down the paint. This is problematic because it puts more pressure on the starters, but it’s not impossible to overcome.
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