The New York Knicks will take the court on Tuesday night to host the New Orleans Pelicans for the first and only time this season.
As Zion Williamson gets set to compete in front of the Madison Square Garden crowd, he landed some notable praise from the Knicks veteran, Josh Hart, ahead of the clash.
âExtremely talented,â Hart told the NY Post, when asked to describe Williamson.
âWhen heâs locked in, and heâs focused, heâs one of probably 15 or 20 top players in the league, if not better.â
Williamson was the most prominent player leaving college in 2019. The then-Duke freshman was guaranteed to go No. 1, and the Knicks were believed to have a shot at him. However, the NBA Draft Lottery worked in the Pelicans’ favor.
GettyMEMPHIS, TENNESSEE – OCTOBER 22: Zion Williamson #1 of the New Orleans Pelicans reacts during the first half against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum on October 22, 2025 in Memphis, Tennessee. (Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images)
The Pelicans won the lottery, and the Knicks landed pick No. 3. Williamson went first to New Orleans, as expected. Ja Morant was taken second by the Memphis Grizzlies, while the Knicks took on Williamson’s Duke teammate, RJ Barrett.
At times, Williamson has lived up to the early expectations in New Orleans. As Hart stated, he’s a top player when everything is going right for him physically. However, Williamson has battled through a lot of factors that have set him back over time.
What Zion Williamson Brings To The Table
GettyNEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – NOVEMBER 26: Zion Williamson #1 of the New Orleans Pelicans stands on the court during the second half of an 2025 Emirates NBA Cup game against the Memphis Grizzlies at Smoothie King Center on November 26, 2025 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
Josh Hart has played for four different teams in the NBA. He had a three-season run with the Pelicans from 2019 to 2022. Amid the 2021-2022 season, Hart was sent to the Portland Trail Blazers, ending his time with Williamson.
Although his time playing alongside Williamson was brief, Hart has seen enough out of the star forward to know what type of challenge he offers the Knicks on Tuesday.
âHeâs a freak of nature. I say that with all due respect,â Hart added, via NY Post. âHeâs obviously extremely explosive, the way heâs able to maneuver and contort his body, and he has a great touch around the rim. Thatâs going to be a challenge for us. We got to make sure weâre just solid. Donât swipe down. Donât smack down. And try to make him finish.â
This season, Williamson has appeared in 55 games for the Pelicans. He is shooting 59.8% from the field, averaging 21.3 points per game.
The veteran forward is also dishing out 3.3 assists and coming down with 5.8 rebounds per game. Although Williamson hasn’t landed in the NBA’s All-Star game since 2022-2023, his peers know how much of a threat he is when he’s healthy and on the court.
The Knicks and the Pelicans will battle it out at 7:30 PM ET on Tuesday.
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