Pelicans' CJ McCollum on Zion Williamson: "We call him Thanos"

Pelicans guard CJ McCollum describes teammate Zion Williamson as "explosive, hungry, a competitor, gamer". He is also compared to Marvel Comics' Thanos. NBA betting sites give Pelicans top-15 odds to win a championship in 2022-23 season. Oddsmakers believe their chances of returning to the playoffs depend on Williamson staying healthy.

Zion Williamson was drafted by the Pelicans in the 2019 NBA Draft. He was selected to the NBA All-Rookie First Team in his rookie season. Williamson missed the entire 2021-22 season due to a foot injury. In July, he signed a five-year, $193 million designated rookie contract extension with the team.