VIDEO: Zion Williamson Amazingly Big-Times JaVale McGee by Giving Him His Jersey and Walking Away
By Brendan Balsamo
Zion Williamson, the all-world rookie phenom, has only played 15 games in the NBA. The Pelicans star is already acting like a 15-year veteran where it really counts, however, evidenced by his interaction Sunday night with Lakers big man JaVale McGee. It's truly chef kiss stuff.
Zion just gave JaVale his jersey and left ? pic.twitter.com/RtYlAeYVSf
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) March 2, 2020
A 12-year veteran and "Shaqtin' a Fool" recurring character, McGee was gifted Williamson's jersey after Sunday's Laker victory over the Pelicans. But this was no customary swap -- Zion clearly wasn't very interested in going home with JaVale's No. 7 jersey. He would not be bothered.
It's understandable that an opposing player might want some game-worn Zion gear. And Mr. Williamson is content to bequeath his apparel while asking nothing in return, a massive power move from a kid who's still a teenager.
LBJ ⚔️ Zion@KingJames (34 PTS, 12 REB, 13 AST) & @Zionwilliamson (career-high 35 PTS, 12-16 FGM) DUEL as the @Lakers prevail in New Orleans! pic.twitter.com/LiUbKaqQmF
— NBA (@NBA) March 2, 2020
Williamson is already averaging 24.1 points per game in his short stint in the NBA, and is now averaging one big-time jersey hand off per season.
It doesn't get more Hollywood than giving a 12-year veteran your jersey and then immediately jogging back to your locker room before any exchange could be proposed or consummated. You can't not love this kid.