Kevin Durant praises Zion Williamson, calls him ‘considered one of one’

NEW YORK — Brooklyn Nets star ahead Kevin Durant research the sport, and its historical past, as a lot as any high participant within the NBA at present. That is why his reward of New Orleans Pelicans younger ahead Zion Williamson as a “considered one of one” kind of expertise speaks volumes concerning the form of skill he believes the 22-year-old possesses.

“You have seen guys at that dimension, 6’7, that may rise up and down the ground and transfer, however not at that degree although,” Durant mentioned after Monday’s observe. “You have seen guys like Jason Maxiell’s, I am not saying they soar as excessive as Zion however they had been undersized guys that performed greater. And Zion’s a kind of guys. Rodney Rogers — I am lacking so many guys that had been that tall at 6’6, Charles Barkley bruiser kind guys however performed greater. However Zion’s athleticism trumps all of theirs by far. And whenever you add that to the combo it makes him a considered one of one.”

The Nets open up in opposition to Williamson and the Pelicans throughout their common season opener on Wednesday night time at Barclays Middle. Even though Williamson hasn’t performed since Could 4, 2021 and sat out the complete 2021-22 season due to a proper foot harm, Durant remains to be anticipating Williamson to play at a excessive degree.

“Pleasure,” Durant mentioned of Williamson being again on the ground. “Athleticism. Anyone that may put up factors fairly quick. It is a matchup downside for lots of people so we received our work reduce out [with] him and then you definitely received two different scorers behind him [in Brandon Ingram and CJ McCollum] that may rating from all ranges. So we received our work reduce out for us, however it is going to be thrilling occasions when guys get wholesome, particularly the marquee guys on this league.”

Williamson sat out the Pelicans last preseason recreation final week due to an ankle harm, however the Nets are making ready as if he’ll play on Wednesday.

“I assume there’s some trickiness to it, which Zion do you get?” Nets coach Steve Nash mentioned. “However I feel you would be silly to not anticipate an distinctive participant. He is so proficient and gifted. He causes issues for everyone, regardless of I feel, what state his physique and recreation is in. He is nonetheless such a singular athlete and participant. So we received to be ready. We will not anticipate something lower than his greatest or we’ll be shocked and we’ll be second and whenever you’re reactive, you are in hassle.”