Who isn't a top pick these days?

Today's NBA matchups brought unexpected results, with the Warriors, relying on a single star, thrashing the Timberwolves; the Raptors dealt the Thunder their tenth defeat this season; and the Pelicans thoroughly outplayed the Spurs. Meanwhile, the Nets continue their steady tanking without any fluctuations.

In the Pelicans' win over the Spurs, they once held a 20-point lead. However, at the end of the third quarter and start of the fourth, the Pelicans suddenly went cold, allowing the Spurs to go on a 29-5 run and take a 5-point lead in the final quarter. Momentum then shifted back as the Pelicans scored consecutively, with Murphy stepping up to secure the victory.

The Spurs' recent losses have felt quite sloppy, with many details overlooked. That 29-5 run was thrilling to watch, but then they went cold again, even missing free throws—typical of a young team. You can't just rely on momentum; you have to keep your composure when trailing.

Wembanyama had a particularly stubborn day, missing his first seven three-point attempts. Although he made two later, he still ended with a 2-for-10 three-point shooting rate. Overall, he shot 6-for-16, including 2-for-10 from beyond the arc and 2-for-6 from the free-throw line, finishing with 16 points, 16 rebounds, 4 blocks, and a -12 plus-minus.

Compared to Wembanyama's offensive struggles, many were surprised by how Zion dominated him defensively. Zion shot 10-for-18, made 4 of 5 free throws, and finished with 24 points, 10 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 block, and a +17 plus-minus.

The duel between these two top picks is always fascinating. Their contrasting physiques create a striking visual: Wembanyama is tall and slender, while Zion appears shorter but much more muscular. They represent two extremes, yet both possess ceiling-level talent.

I clearly remember an early-season matchup where Zion posterized Wembanyama, only for Wembanyama to reply with three blocks on Zion. It was a back-and-forth battle, with both players exploding offensively. Wembanyama even fouled out after six fouls.

Wembanyama was still the primary defender on Zion today, but his defensive approach had issues. In their first game, Wembanyama played off Zion, allowing some floaters and mid-range shots. If Zion drove in, he either scored over Wembanyama or got blocked. That game, Wembanyama recorded nine blocks.

Today, Wembanyama stuck closer to Zion, clearly underestimating Zion’s ability to drive. Since losing weight, Zion’s first step has gotten quicker, enough to challenge most big men. Although Wembanyama moves laterally well, Zion still blew past him in one step.

After Zion penetrated the paint, he showed no fear of Wembanyama’s rim protection, powering through for layups. Sometimes even when blocked, Zion grabbed offensive rebounds. Wembanyama’s rim defense isn’t unchallengeable; players with Zion’s speed and strength can really give him trouble.

From Randle to Zion, the type of stocky, fast big men are the ones who give Wembanyama fits. Their speed matches or even surpasses his. Of course, Zion is in a league of his own—few players like him exist in NBA history.

The Pelicans seem almost schizophrenic this season, mainly because their draft picks are held by the Hawks. They want to develop Fils and Quinn, but the team’s poor record keeps them near the bottom of the league.

They want to win and avoid being the league’s laughingstock, so they have to give Sadik Bae, Murphy, and Zion more control, limiting the rookies’ minutes. But if Fils and Quinn can’t step up, it’s a total failure of management, especially since Quinn was acquired with the 2026 first-round pick.

Since Fils was moved to the bench for the last two games, the Pelicans have won both, which is awkward. Trying to develop rookies while maintaining winning records is nearly impossible. Winning still depends on Zion and Murphy.

Recently, AJ announced that Zion’s signature shoe line will end, with the fourth edition being his last. Their contract will also expire later this year. Before Zion entered the league, he signed a $75 million shoe deal with AJ, second only to LeBron’s $90 million contract.

That year, Zion’s hype was just as high as Wembanyama’s, if not higher. Unfortunately, a series of injuries later derailed Zion’s originally projected career path.