Dwyane Wade has had a similar seat to many fans since his retirement: just watching the game and seeing the young players develop.
On Instagram Live on Friday, Wade spoke about some young players including New Orleans Pelicans forwards Brandon Ingram and Zion Williamson.
First, Wade said that in Ingram’s first All-Star year, the 22-year-old set a standard for himself.
“He’s having a heck of a season,” Wade said. “I just want to see him continue to get better, man. Now he’s set a standard for himself as an All-Star and what he can do, I just want to see him keep going.”
Ingram this year has put his game all together, averaging 24.3 points, 6.3 rebounds and 4.3 assists while shooting 38.7% from the 3-point line.
He helped carry the Pelicans team as their rookie phenom was on the sideline recovering from injury.
Once Williamson did debut, it didn’t take him long to make an impression on Wade.
“Zion? Monster,” Wade said with a laugh.
“Literally, like watching him play in the NBA is like going back and watching highlights of him in seventh grade and in college. He’s a monster.”
Williamson has scored at least 20 points in 16 of 19 games despite averaging just under 30 minutes per game.
As the NBA stoppage continues, at least the Pelicans can know their future is in good hands.
