The Pelicans' social media account posted a photo of Zion Williamson during practice, which sparked an unexpected wave of fan reactions.
In 10 games this season, Zion is putting up 21.9 points and 8.2 rebounds per game (an increase in boards would be a pretty big development, too) and the Pelicans are 4-6 with him in the lineup. That doesn't sound so inspiring, but they're 7-26 without him.
"Look at Big Z with that Malcolm X goatee. Nice!!!" commented one netizen. Fans on X (formerly Twitter) also shared their thoughts: "Zion musta talked to Dinwiddie about facial hair Wednesday," another commented. Williamson and the Pelicans are set to face the Jazz on Friday.
The loss to the Pelicans moved the Jazz into last place in the Western Conference and their 10-30 record is the third worst in the NBA, exactly where they want to be (if not second or very worst) when the season ends in order to go into the draft lottery with the best possible odds at the No. 1 overall pick.
Everyone thought Zion Williamson looked like Khalil Mack after the New Orleans Pelicans showed him off in a goatee.
As two 10-win teams search for their 11th victory, the New Orleans Pelicans just have a roster to overpower the Utah Jazz, but don't sleep on Utah to play within the spread tonight.
The New Orleans Pelicans posted their highest point total and largest margin of victory this season, defeating the Utah Jazz 136-123 on Friday night. Zion
Zion Williamson highlighted a 24-point, 14-rebound performance with an array of thunderous dunks during a dominant fourth-quarter stint, and the New Orleans Pelicans beat the Utah Jazz 136-123 on Friday night to open a two-game set.
Ezra Ausar scored a career-high 26 points on 11-of-15 shooting and Hunter Erickson scored Utah's last six points on Saturday night to help the Runnin' Utes beat
Clayton Keller had a goal and three assists as the Utah Hockey Club beat the St. Louis Blues 4-2 on Saturday night.Logan Cooley had a goal and two assists, and
Trey Murphy III has had a breakout season as he has emerged as a key piece of the future for the New Orleans Pelicans.