He is a freak athlete but I'm not convinced how skilled he is at the game of basketball. So much of what I've seen him do is the direct result of being a much bigger and better athlete than his opponent. I don't think he has that advantage in the NBA. He definitely needs to improve his handle and his shooting range. He will NOT get every call and be allowed to steamroll over defenders like he did in college. If he develops and stays healthy, he could be a solid pro, like Blake Griffin (who was better entering the league than Zion, imo). If he doesn't continue to develop and/or can't stay healthy, he could have a pretty forgettable career.
Poll Zion Williamson
- Thread starter etowncatfan
- Start date
All-star starting lineup is always a popularity contest, as those are fan votes. And we all know how fandom can cause blindness.
Now they have player-coaches picking teams and it's not how it used to be.
His ceiling is a more athletic Charles Barkley.
His floor is a rich man's Josh Smith.
His floor is a rich man's Josh Smith.
This is why RR is known as the pinnacle of basketball insight. Everyone is long and athletic in the NBA? Damn, who knew? Everyone. Literally everyone. And yet still people who are paid to analyze these things are universally in agreement that Zion is (i) a top tier athlete even by NBA standards and (ii) one of best prospects to come out in this century.
I don't think anyone that matters believes that Blake was better entering the league than Zion. Zion was better almost across the board (although for Blake many stats are unavailable, like rebound rate), and he did it at a younger age and with less experience in the college game. That younger age part means a lot to projections; Pelton and others have found that certain traits players have as freshmen are more predictive than year to year jumps in skill/output.
Also in what world is Blake Griffin a "solid pro?" Despite facing a rash of injuries, he's finished 3rd in MVP voting (deservedly) and is a 4x All-NBA at the most stacked position (LeBron, Durant, etc...). He's got a really good shot at the HOF if he can stay healthy. A solid pro is someone like Kyle Korver.
Seriously, that's a huge gulf. One of the best 5 players of all time, or a guy who tops out at third team All-NBA. I think that (barring injury, of course) Zion will be an MVP candidate in several years, and All-NBA worthy for most of a decade.
I said it in another thread. He will have to really focus on his body for him to be successful. If he has the will power to transform his body, he can be as good as he wants. He will not be able to play long term at the current weight.
lol tatum might make a few all star games (MAYBE), but he isnt a star.
second year drop.
15.7pts
6reb
2.1ast
he shot worse, and his PER was 15.1
lets relax on making him more than he is
I don't know what you were watching, but I was crazy impressed by his handle this year. And from the very first game when he was doing crossovers driving between our guys in traffic.
That's what's most surprised me about him this year. I knew he was an insane athlete and great inside, but I had no idea he also had those tight ballhandling skills. And, yeah, he does need to improve his outside shooting, but even that was better than I expected. He's also a really smart player. Even though some here are still in denial, Zion is VERY much the real deal.
But I predict the big problem with him will be injuries. History shows that heavy bodies tend to break down earlier, because every time they land more stress impact is pounded into the joints, bones and ligaments. And I've never seen a 285 pound body fly around in the air quite like Zion. I think he'll probably end up being one of those Larry Johnson type cases where injuries zap his magical athleticism at an early age.
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His PER was still top half of starters at his position, and his shooting percentage dropped to 45%/37%/85%... how dismal for a 21 year old. He shot more times per game this year than last year (3 more) so id expect it to drop a little. Whether he becomes an All star will depend how much his role expands as he grows and what market he plays in. To think hes average (which is what the poll says) is just ignorant.
He's 285 pounds with freakish explosive jumping ability. He will do really well until he has a major knee injury. Then it's over. He's 6'6"-6'7" with Alligator arms. If he loses his vertical and explosiveness his days in the NBA are over. Until then, I think he will do really well, but he should save his money. I just can't see his body holding up at 285 pounds, playing the number of games they do in the NBA. His body simply isn't designed for longevity playing basketball, and I'm surprised he didn't have a serious injury this year.
this is what I was thinking...lol
I would not label him a complete bust...he will just not be this transcendental, generational player.
He will be explosive his first year or so...maybe even rookie of the year.
Eventually, the injuries will happen, he will not develop a consistent jumper and guys like Kwahi will keep him in check.
He will be an good NBA, just not longstanding great. I don't see him being much better (if better at all) long term, than Julius Randle
and he will have 6'8" very athletic men guarding him, not 6'5" college basketball players
Dude plays with the energy and hustle to max out his full abilities. If he develops his jump shot I think he’s going to be pretty damn good. He has the athleticism that not many players will be able to match.