At Duke, Zion Williamson was a bully. He used his massive, linebacker-like frame and his eye-popping athleticism to physically manhandle opponents on both ends of the court. After being selected by the New Orleans Pelicans with the number one overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft, the biggest question was this: Could Zion be that same bully against bigger, better competition?

One exhibition game into his pro career, the answer looks to be a resounding yes. During Williamson’s NBA Summer League debut, he ripped the ball out of New York Knicks forward Kevin Knox’s hands like a bully stealing lunch money, then followed it up with a thunderous slam:

Zion just BULLIED Kevin Knox

(via @PelicansNBA)pic.twitter.com/y683G7HLxS

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) July 6, 2019

Welcome to the NBA, Zion! pic.twitter.com/Plk5NoTxke

— Stephen A Smith (@stephenasmith) July 6, 2019

While his dunks get a lot of headlines, Zion’s defense might be his strongest attribute. Last season, he was one of just two Division I players to average at least 2.0 steals and 1.5 blocks per game. Williamson left the game in the first half after taking a knee-to-knee hit, but it’s not believed to be serious. In nine minutes, he totaled 11 points and three rebounds.

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