Amid the NBA’s stoppage due to the coronavirus outbreak, New Orleans Pelicans rookie phenom Zion Williamson is helping arena employees out in a big way.
Zion Williamson is already making headlines for his impressive play on the court, but his biggest assist of the 2019-20 season happened with play halted.
Due to the pandemic stemming from COVID-19, otherwise known as coronavirus, sport leagues and organizations across the globe are suspending play. This has resulted in many team employees losing their income until play resumes, an unfortunate consequence of the precautions being taken.
A few NBA players have already announced they will donate money to offset the losses suffered by the employees. Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo and Cleveland Cavaliers forward Kevin Love have both pledged $100,000 each. Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban plans on paying team employees as if games were still being played.
Per The Athletic and Stadium’s Shams Charania, Williamson is making a pledge of his own as well:
Regardless of how the math works out in comparison to Antetokounmpo and Love, this is an awesome gesture by the rookie. For Williamson to extend a helping hand to those in need is terrific, especially when considering he’s in the initial year of his first contract.
In 19 games this season, Williamson is averaging 23.6 points, 6.8 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game on an impressive 58.9 percent shooting from the field. He has taken the league by storm and will have the Pelicans pushing for the Western Conference’s final playoff spot when the NBA season resumes.
Until then, though, at least the Pelicans’ staff can rest easy knowing they are taken care of for the next month. This coincides with the duration of the NBA’s current hiatus. Commissioner Adam Silver plans for it to last at least 30 days.
For more information about COVID-19, visit the CDC’s website or the website for your state’s Department of Health.