Aaron Gordon has shared a piece of advice for Zion Williamson, as the youngster struggles with a rough shooting season. The New Orleans Pelicans forward is known for his explosive dunks and ability to get to the rim, but not for his jumpers. Considering Gordon’s gradual growth in shooting from distance, he would be the best one to share his secret to success.
Gordon has been part of the Denver Nuggets for the last five seasons and was also in the championship-winning squad of 2023. Not only that, he scored a career-high 16.3 points per game in the regular season, shooting 56.4% from the field. He was also detrimental in playoff games, bringing a defensive and explosive edge to the Nuggets.
While talking to Kevin O’Connor recently on his The Kevin O’Connor Show, the 2022-23 NBA champion shared his experience and mindset when he was asked about Williamson, who is averaging career-low points (21.3). He said:
“My advice to Zion is like you’ve got to go through that uncomfortableness, and you’re actually doing a disservice to your team by not shooting the ball.”
Gordon and Williamson have a very similar style of play when it comes to getting to the rim, offensive rebounds, and putbacks, or making defensive plays. However, Gordon has improved his jumpers with time and has now added another lethal weapon to his offensive arsenal. He shot a career-high 43.6 % from the three-point line last season and 38% this season.
Zion Williamson and his offensive limitations
Much like Aaron Gordon, Zion Williamson seems like he is bound for a championship. Drafted first overall in 2019 by the Pelicans, Williamson has definitely improved his game, but a title has still evaded him.
While the Pels are looking towards another shutdown, placed 13th in the Western Conference, Gordon’s advice would come in handy for the youngster to develop for a championship run. Williamson is shooting a career-low 13.6 field goals every game, which is exactly in line with what Gordon mentioned.
Williamson’s ability to play off the ball in the paint and lose defenders has gotten him to two NBA All-Star appearances, but winning a title is a completely different ordeal. His reliance on interior shooting and tendency to get to his left hand might have made him predictable.
The Pels will now look to build around a young core with Zion Williamson, Derik Queen, and Trey Murphy. Murphy is one of the most efficient perimeter shooters in the league and leads the franchise in points this season (21.9). It will be interesting to see what decisions team management will make in the offseason.
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