Are The NBA Refs Failing To Get Zion Williamson To The Free Throw Line Like Other Big Men?

Will Zion Williamson learn how to "sell it" better to get those missing penalty calls?

NEW ORLEANS - Compared to other big NBA men, the Pelicans' star forward Zion Williamson has received few penalties called on his defenders from NBA referees during 2023-24. 

Williamson averages 14.8 field goal attempts in the paint but averages 6.8 free throw attempts. Zion said he must "learn how to sell it" to the officials.   

Feb 5, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Toronto Raptors guard Gradey Dick (1) and Toronto Raptors center Jakob Poeltl (19) double team New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (1) during the first half at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Hinton-USA TODAY Sports

However, Giannis Antetokounmpo receives 11.1 free throw attempts on 14.6 paint attempts, Anthony Davis' 13.0 paint attempts per contest, and 6.9 free throw attempts.

An apparent disparity in calls? As the young superstar admitted, he needs to act it out and force the refs to blow more whistles in his favor.

BREAKING: Zion Williamson, Brandon Ingram, CJ McCollum Status For the Bulls-Pelicans Game, 2/25