As the NBA season continues to roll on while the NFL offseason and all the drama that comes with it plays out, the Blue Zone is here to recap how some former Duke standouts are faring at the highest levels of their sports:
Mark Williams
Despite the controversy, Mark Williams is healthy. The former Blue Devil played a big part in the Charlotte Hornets’ 115-98 win against the New York Knicks Thursday. The third-year center logged an impressive double-double with 19 points, 14 rebounds, four assists and three blocks spanning across 31 minutes on the floor. Williams led the game in boards, while big man Karl-Anthony Towns paced the Knicks with 10.
After a trade to the Los Angeles Lakers was shockingly rescinded, the Lakers cited a failed physical as the reason. Williams not only went on the record suggesting that there is more to the story, but painted a clear picture of his health with a dominant performance on Thursday.
Daniel Jones
Free agent quarterback and former Duke standout Daniel Jones has his hopes set high as he signed a $14 million deal with the Indianapolis Colts, faced with a promising chance at redemption. After 15 games with the Colts, current quarterback Anthony Richardson has faced much scrutiny. The Miami native dealt with a significant regression from his first year, dipping on completion rate while seeing an increase in both fumbles and interceptions — thus the signing of the veteran and former New York Giants starter.
At a time where Jones is facing intense attention, it is his chance to capitalize off of a fresh start. The Colts are offering him what may be his last shot at quarterback in the NFL, as the team puts Richardson and Jones in a true man-to-man competition. If the stars align for Jones and he is able to make his start over Richardson, the quarterback’s resurgence is very much still possible.
Zion Williamson
Despite struggling with injuries for much of his short NBA career, the former top pick is back and better than ever. Williamson has been putting up stellar numbers lately, a trend which continued this week in both games he appeared in. The former Blue Devil logged 30 points to go with six rebounds and three assists in a 127-81 loss to the Pistons Monday. The Pelicans responded to being blown out by earning a 119-115 road win against the Minnesota Timberwolves Friday. Williamson dropped 29 points as well as five rebounds and eight assists, evidence that his unique skillset could lend itself to improved versatility.
Given that New Orleans is already mathematically eliminated from the postseason, the final stretch of the regular season could be the perfect opportunity for Williamson to rediscover his love for the game by playing his best basketball in a low-pressure environment.
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