Facing pressure in New Orleans, Zion Williamson impresses Australian crowd

The Australian crowd even found themselves chanting "we want Zion" at the end of the game, hoping to see the American star check back in one final time. 

"It just shows you the reach of the game of basketball," said Williamson about Australian fans showing him appreciation.

Zion Williamson needs to perform in similar fashion this season for New Orleans Pelicans

And as much as a performance like the one Williamson displayed can help further the league's footprint overseas, he needs to make sure he can show off his skills often enough for his home fans in New Orleans. 

Despite making the NBA's All-Rookie First Team team in 2020 and being named an All-Star twice, Williamson has failed to reach the hype he entered the league with as a No. 1 overall pick out of Duke. 

And even though injuries are a massive reason why Williamson hasn't become the true superstar many thought he was destined to be, it's to the point no excuse is valid anymore. 

Having only surpassed 60 games played in an 82-game season twice, only played in 70 once and appearing in 30 or fewer every other year, Williamson is facing pressure to ensure he can be on the court as often as possible during the 2025-26 campaign. 

When on the floor, he's averaged 24.7 points, 6.6 boards and 4.3 assists, but Williamson has only played in 214 out of a possible 410 games in his five NBA seasons to date.