The New York Knicks are set to host the New Orleans Pelicans at Madison Square Garden on Tuesday night in what will be the only meeting between the two teams this season. Ahead of the matchup, Pelicans star Zion Williamson received notable praise from Knicks veteran forward Josh Hart.
Hart spoke highly of Williamson’s talent and impact, calling him one of the most dangerous players in the league when he is fully focused and healthy.
Josh Hart Praises Zion Williamson
Before the upcoming matchup, Hart shared his thoughts on Williamson’s game and the challenge he presents.
| Player | Comment |
|---|---|
| Josh Hart | “Extremely talented.” |
| Josh Hart | “When he’s locked in and focused, he’s one of probably 15 or 20 top players in the league, if not better.” |
Hart’s comments reflect the respect many players across the NBA have for Williamson’s skill set and athletic ability.
From Duke Star to No. 1 Draft Pick
Zion Williamson entered the NBA with enormous expectations after a dominant college season at Duke in 2019.
| NBA Draft Year | Draft Position | Team |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | No. 1 Overall Pick | New Orleans Pelicans |
At the time of the 2019 NBA Draft Lottery, the New York Knicks were widely expected to have a chance at landing Williamson. However, the Pelicans won the lottery and selected him first overall.
| Draft Order | Player | Team |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Zion Williamson | New Orleans Pelicans |
| 2 | Ja Morant | Memphis Grizzlies |
| 3 | RJ Barrett | New York Knicks |
RJ Barrett, who played alongside Williamson at Duke, was selected third by New York.
Also see: Daniss Jenkins Career Night Leads Pistons Past Lakers 113-110
Josh Hart’s Connection With Williamson
Josh Hart previously spent time playing for the Pelicans, which allowed him to see Williamson’s talent up close.
| Player | Team Tenure |
|---|---|
| Josh Hart | New Orleans Pelicans (2019–2022) |
Hart’s time in New Orleans overlapped with Williamson’s early NBA years before Hart was traded to the Portland Trail Blazers during the 2021–22 season.
Despite their limited time together on the court, Hart said he understands the type of challenge Williamson presents.
What Makes Zion Williamson Dangerous
Hart described Williamson as one of the most physically unique players in the NBA.
| Skill | Description |
|---|---|
| Explosiveness | Powerful drives to the basket |
| Body Control | Ability to maneuver in traffic |
| Finishing Ability | Excellent touch around the rim |
Hart explained that stopping Williamson requires discipline on defense, especially when he attacks the paint.
Zion Williamson 2025–26 Season Performance
| Category | Average |
|---|---|
| Games Played | 55 |
| Points Per Game | 21.3 |
| Rebounds Per Game | 5.8 |
| Assists Per Game | 3.3 |
| Field Goal Percentage | 59.8% |
Williamson continues to be one of the most efficient scorers in the league. His ability to finish inside and draw attention from defenses remains a key part of the Pelicans’ offense.
Also see: Cam Thomas Waived by Milwaukee Bucks After 18 Games – Full Story, Stats and What’s Next
Injury Challenges During Career
Although Williamson has shown flashes of elite performance, injuries have affected several parts of his career.
He has not appeared in the NBA All-Star Game since the 2022–23 season, but players around the league still recognize his impact when he is healthy and playing at full strength.
Knicks vs Pelicans Matchup
| Match | New York Knicks vs New Orleans Pelicans |
|---|---|
| Date | Tuesday |
| Time | 7:30 PM ET |
| Venue | Madison Square Garden |
| Location | New York |
The game will mark Zion Williamson’s appearance at Madison Square Garden this season and is expected to be one of the key matchups of the night.
With both teams looking to make strong impressions late in the season, all eyes will be on Williamson as he faces a Knicks defense that knows exactly how dangerous he can be.
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