Cavaliers: Top Rookie of the Year competitors for Darius Garland
Zion Williamson
This shouldn’t come as a surprise. Williamson is arguably the most hyped rookie the NBA has seen since LeBron James entered the league.
Williamson has the talent to back up the hype. He will likely be a primary option for the New Orleans Pelicans on the offensive end of the floor, and he will have some eye-popping highlight-reel plays that will help to elevate his popularity.
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Not only does he have the talent, but the Pelicans are also a sneaky pick this season to compete for a playoff spot, especially if Williamson lives up to the hype.
The haul the Pelicans received in the Anthony Davis deal was probably as good as they could have hoped. The Los Angeles Lakers sent a bevy of young pieces to the Pelicans including Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram, and Josh Hart in addition to three first-round picks.
The Pelicans did a splendid job this offseason of rebuilding their roster. In addition to Ball, Ingram, and Hart, they added J.J. Redick via free agency and Derrick Favors via trade with the Utah Jazz.
They also had one of the best drafts in the league. In addition to Williamson, they added shot-blocking big man Jaxson Hayes and do-it-all combo guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker.
Williamson may have the edge on Garland heading into the season as he has a far better supporting cast around him and he is likely to be the focal point of the offense.