NBA: Giannis Antetokounmpo Sends A Message To Zion Williamson After His NBA Debut

KEY POINTS

Zion Williamson’s debut was delayed due to arthroscopic surgery on his knee
He scored 22 points on 4-for-4 shooting from the three-point line
Coach Alvin Gentry is sticking to his plan to play his rookie in minutes restriction to help his knee recover

The much-awaited debut of the number one pick Zion Williamson in the NBA surely made its way all over the world to gauge whether he is good to play after his surgery to repair his knee. The former Duke star had a shaky start, only scoring five points in the half but went berserk in the fourth quarter.

The New Orleans Pelicans’ prized rookie scored 17 straight points in less than three minutes to briefly take the lead from the San Antonio Spurs halfway through the final frame. Props are also being given to Lonzo Ball’s unselfishness for giving the fans what they wanted – he kept feeding Zion the ball and the top pick are turning them to gold.

The fans inside the Smoothie King Center were chanting “We want Zion” as coach Alvin Gentry decided to sit him on the bench in the last five minutes of the game to stay with the plan of having him play limited minutes as he’s not fully healed yet.

He went on to finish with 22 points, including 4-of-4 from the three-point range, seven rebounds, and three assists in just 18 minutes of play.

Milwaukee Bucks’ star Giannis Antetokounmpo gave the high-flying rookie a message after his debut as everybody is all hyped pumped-up after his stellar NBA debut. "Don't rush the process," said the current league MVP per ESPN report.

"You're going to be a beast; the whole league knows you're going to be a beast," said the “Greek Freak”. Just take it step by step, day by day," said Giannis, who came to the league at the same age as Williamson when Milwaukee drafted him 15^th overall in 2013.

The Greek star is also aware of the concerns on the rookie’s physique, who is listed as 6-foot-6, 285 pounds. "Obviously he's a tough kid. My advice that I give to him: Just have patience, work hard and make sure you're healthy," he said.

Giannis and the Bucks are currently in France for the first-ever NBA game to be held in Paris where they will face the Charlotte Hornets tomorrow.