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Zion’s (Latest) Big Break?

The rookie sensation has a chance to have a star turn this summer

By JD King

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Memphis Grizzlies v New Orleans Pelicans
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JULY 14: Zion Williamson #1 of the New Orleans Pelicans warms up on the court before a semifinal game of the 2019 NBA Summer League against the Memphis Grizzlies at the Thomas & Mack Center on July 14, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images

The criticism of Zion Williamson’s conditioning has been intense since summer league but the good news is that he’s 18 and conditioning is still pretty easy. He can work hard for a few weeks and be in pretty good shape.

That’s a real positive because training camp is coming up for USA Basketball and established stars are pulling out. James Harden and Anthony Davis have already departed and now CJ McCollum and Eric Gordon have opted out too.

Williamson has been invited to be part of the Select Team, the guys who help the national team get ready for international competition. If he can get himself back to solid shape quickly, he’s a natural guy for USA Basketball to add. His versatility would be a huge asset and his willingness to defend - and critically to subordinate himself to others - would be huge as well.

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