Zion Leaning on Lonzo to Help with the Hype in Newest Episode of NBA Rooks on ESPN+

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NBA Rooks, which airs exclusively on ESPN+, brings fans behind the scenes as NBA rookies experience their first season in the league, both on and off the court. NBA Rooks follows top rookies from the 2019 NBA Draft class from off-season preparation through the entire 2019-20 NBA season.

In Episode 12, NBA Rooks focuses on Zion’s first week of his young NBA career, including the buildup to his first game and how he is handling all the hype. Also, this episode examines how Memphis Grizzlies PG, Ja Morant has taken the early lead for Rookie of the Year in Zion’s absence.

Being the No. 1 pick in the NBA Draft comes with a lot of pressure, and Zion has been feeling it during his first week:

“Can’t really ignore it,” said Williamson. “We do feel the hype but right now I am just trying to get a feel for my teammates. Lonzo went through a similar situation so he knows what I am going through right now and he is giving great advice on how to handle it.”

Pelicans guard, Lonzo Ball has experienced what it means to be a top-3 pick, and all the craziness that comes with that, Lonzo he has been a person for Zion to lean on as he transitions to the NBA and deals with all the pressure:

“Zion can come to me for anything,” said Ball. “It doesn’t have to be basketball related. I am always here for him and obviously you know his play on the court is amazing.”

During Zion’s wait to take the court, Ja Morant has been the rookie to watch so far in the NBA this season, and he is the current frontrunner for NBA Rookie of the Year:

“He is a dynamic player running the pace of the game,” said Morant’s teammate, and Grizzlies forward, Jaren Jackson Jr. “He can pass really well and has vision all over the court. He is pretty much doing everything but he is cool at the same time.”

https://www.espn.com/watch/player?bucketId=2&id=eee2c693-62dd-4366-92b9-4ab5cd669266

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Tags: ESPN Plus, Ja Morant, Jaren Jackson Jr, Landon Buford, Lonzo Ball, Memphis Grizzlies, New Orleans Pelicans, The Hype Magazine

About the Author

Landon Buford Washington State Graduate Past Interviews include Grammy Award Winner Kenny G, David Banner, WNBA President Lisa Borders, What's Trending's CEO Shira Lazar, Ice Cube, NBC's Chicago PD LaRoyce Hawkins, Family Matters Darius McCrary, En Vogues Maxine Jones, Team USA Track & Field Member Norris Frederick, James Kyson, WNBA Great Lauren Jackson, and more.