Michael Jordan Responds to Zion Williamson Signing His Shoe Deal

Zion Williamson made headlines on Tuesday when it was revealed that the New Orleans Pelicans star was signing on with Nike's Jordan Brand. He was the shoe market's most coveted talent practically from the day he decided to play basketball at Duke.

With the league's biggest sensation now signed, the namesake of the brand, Michael Jordan, responded to the situation.

Michael Jordan: “Zion’s incredible determination, character and play are inspiring. He’s an essential part of the new talent that will help lead the brand into the future. He told us he would ‘shock the world,’ and asked us to believe him. We do."
— Nick DePaula (@NickDePaula) July 23, 2019

"Zion’s incredible determination, character and play are inspiring," said Jordan. "He’s an essential part of the new talent that will help lead the brand into the future. He told us he would ‘shock the world,’ and asked us to believe him. We do."

Hopefully Zion can shock the world like he says he will. There are high expectations for the first-overall draft pick. As arguably the most hyped prospect the league has seen since LeBron James, he'll be put under a microscope for the foreseeable future.

Everyone's eager to see how he'll perform. If his time at Duke is any indicator, he'll have no trouble living up to the promise he made to Jordan.

Breaking: Zion Williamson signs multiyear deal with Jordan Brand (@brkicks) pic.twitter.com/xfp9VlKppS
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) July 23, 2019

The NBA summer league, however, didn't provide much for fans to go off of. Williamson got practically no playing time as he was sidelined with a knee injury after just one half of basketball.

Jordan, his shoe brand, the NBA and its fans all have high expectations for Williamson as he prepares for his first season in the NBA. Time will tell if he's able to meet them.