Chicago Bulls: Zion Williamson gets wise advice from Scottie Pippen
Former Chicago Bulls legendary forward Scottie Pippen gave New Orleans Pelicans rookie forward Zion Williamson ahead of his 20th birthday.
Just ahead of his 20th birthday, the former Duke Blue Devils superstar forward and New Orleans Pelicans rookie Zion Williamson has a lot of pressure on his shoulders. Zion is expected to give the Pelicans a big push into the Western Conference playoff picture once the season resumes later this month at Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, FL. And prior to the lift of the season’s hiatus, Zion received some valuable advice from the Chicago Bulls Hall-of-Fame forward Scottie Pippen.
Ahead of his 20th birthday, Pippen gave Zion words of wisdom on his path forward and how he might be the most successful version of himself on the court. Pippen joined up with Rachel Nichols and Brian Windhorst on the ESPN show “The Jump” earlier this week to discuss Zion. Here’s what Pippen had to say on the subject.
"“For me, I think this young man has came out in 20 games and shown that he’s gonna be a star in this league. It is just a matter of time before we put an All-Star jersey on him,” Pippen said.“But for me, his future totally relies on him really taking care of his body,” he continued. “I would say the most important thing that he really controls his diet and really continue to focus on getting stronger.”"
Zion clearly has a lot of weight on his shoulders heading into the season’s restart. He’s looking to get the Pelicans over the hump and into the playoff picture alongside fellow standouts like veteran guard Jrue Holiday, sharpshooting guard JJ Redick, rising star small forward Brandon Ingram, and point guard Lonzo Ball.
Pippen also clearly has some valid advice for Zion since the Bulls legend has won six NBA Championships, and did so all with the same team. But Zion is pulling on a Pelicans team that boasts a record that is eight games below .500 entering the restart.
Next. 4 stars the Bulls should try to lure away. dark
Prior to the hiatus, Zion averaged 23.6 points per game, 6.8 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 0.8 steals, and 0.5 blocks, in 19 games played. He should be more rested and healthy than when he played in his first 19 games of his rookie season.