New Orleans Pelicans Forward Zion Williamson Leads NBA in Early-Season Steals

Just five games into the new NBA season, New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson has emerged as the league leader in steals, averaging 3.2 per contest. His strong defensive start was highlighted by a five-steal performance in a 132-120 victory over the Sacramento Kings, coming in the season debut alongside defensive specialist Herb Jones.

Pelicans head coach Jamahl Mosley praised Williamson's defensive intensity in the early going. "I think he's been tenacious," Mosley said. "I think he's been excited about how he can play and what he can do to help this team get over the hump in some games."

Williamson is one of only two players across the entire NBA averaging at least three steals per game in the young campaign. The other is Atlanta Hawks guard and former Pelican Dyson Daniels, who is averaging exactly 3.0 steals per contest. Driven by this active defensive play, the Pelicans sit second in the NBA in team steals, averaging 13.4 per game behind the Toronto Raptors at 14.3.

Mosley emphasized that the defensive success stems from discipline rather than reckless risks. "We're getting the steals because we're in position," Mosley said. "We're not getting them because we're gambling. That's the best part about it. The system is providing them the opportunity to do the things they need to do because they know where everyone is on the floor."

In other basketball news, the debate surrounding rookie defensive play has drawn considerable attention following comments by ESPN analyst Brian Windhorst regarding Dallas player Cooper Flagg. Windhorst doubled down on previous statements comparing Flagg's defense to a young LeBron James, asserting that Flagg holds a clear advantage in defensive fundamentals and positional versatility at the same age.

"In my view, Cooper Flagg is better at defense than LeBron was at the same age. I don’t even think it’s debatable," Windhorst said during an ESPN broadcast. While acknowledging that both players put up remarkably similar offensive numbers during their early professional stretches, Windhorst highlighted Flagg's proven ability to guard multiple positions and disrupt opponents as a defining trait.

Meanwhile, at the collegiate level, the Nebraska women's basketball program prepares to open its 2026-27 season against San Jose State at Pinnacle Bank Arena. The matchup will be preceded by the annual Sizemore Sportsmanship Pep Rally, drawing a record 4,016 students and staff members from 70 schools to Lincoln.