Zion Opinions Vary Game to Game....
- Thread starter Heim
- Start date
WildBill
2
Well its first season coming off an injury, that's the problem. Feels like he's Embiid, his ceiling is so high after a few years in the Association that you can't help but draft him high, but you know he's always going to be an injury risk and an effort risk. But if he takes to NBA conditioning and shows some hunger to do big things he could be next to unstoppable at a position that doesn't have a lot of stretch defenders to stay with him.
FairWarning
Bells Beer Connoisseur
I’ve seen him three times this year and they happened to be limited minutes in each game. He looks too heavy for my liking, good chance he breaks down earlier in his career.
Sportsrmylife
EOG Master
They are better on defense without zion.
Coming into today's game zion was -35 when on the court.
Thats amazing.
Coming into today's game zion was -35 when on the court.
Thats amazing.
With Zion, the Pelicans have switched from load management to burst management.
However, the term "load management" fits perfectly with Zion because he's a load.
When he gets his body going to the basket, he's hard to stop.
My problem with his game aside from the obvious fitness issues: He does none of the subtle things that define great players.
Crafty pass, heady steal, help-side defense, etc.
He also lacks a soft touch on his release whether near the basket or from 15-18 feet away.
However, the term "load management" fits perfectly with Zion because he's a load.
When he gets his body going to the basket, he's hard to stop.
My problem with his game aside from the obvious fitness issues: He does none of the subtle things that define great players.
Crafty pass, heady steal, help-side defense, etc.
He also lacks a soft touch on his release whether near the basket or from 15-18 feet away.
WildBill
2
Watch he will develop many of these things during the season before he becomes eligible for free agency.
jimmythegreek
The opening odds start here
Before Saturday's game against the Wizards, Darius Bazley has. He was chucking up bricks that were clanging off the backboard from beyond the arc shooting 4/22 against Memphis and the Lakers.
Heim
EOG Master
Zion is a big liability on defense too.....he just floats hoping to get up quick to block it. Got away with it
at Duke, not so much in the NBA. Him and Harden neck and neck for zero effort on 'D'. Ja is going to
be rookie of the year and might have more upside than the round mound of rebound long term.
.
at Duke, not so much in the NBA. Him and Harden neck and neck for zero effort on 'D'. Ja is going to
be rookie of the year and might have more upside than the round mound of rebound long term.
.
kane
EOG master
Here's a thought, how about we give the 20 year old kid, one year removed from college, a chance to actually play a season or two before we start criticizing and tearing him down. His NBA career consists of 24 games, he's averaging 23 and 6 in only 28 mins a game, shooting 58% from the field and 43% from three, not sure what you guys expected, but let the kid grow his game and work on his body, I'm sure in a few years he'll be just fine
kane
EOG master
Zion played 19 non bubble games, Ja played a full season, had the roles been reversed, and Zion played all year and Ja played 19 games, who wins the ROY award. BTW, I love Ja's game, but he wins the award by default
KANE makes a good point about Zion's development.
But gamblers make money by jumping to winning conclusions before the masses.
But gamblers make money by jumping to winning conclusions before the masses.
Heim
EOG Master
You sure Zion has more upside long term than Morant? Morant develops a outside shot he'll be something special.
kane
EOG master
I never said Zion has more upside, I said had he played a full season and Ja played 19 games, Zion is the ROY, I think they both have tremendous upside which is why I think it's silly to tear apart Zion's game and put everything he does under a microscope
Heim
EOG Master
It's not his game so much, I don't think he will be able to play a full 82 game schedule, ever.
kane
EOG master
Let's see what his body looks like after a couple of seasons in an NBA weight room
WildBill
2
Morant though is just a guy that is in a glut of guys with that skill set. Kinda like Trae, they will have great careers putting up big numbers and probably making 9 figures before they are done, but how many titles you get with a guy at the 2 who just has high usage? Kobe was a similar player, but notice he never won without a great center. I think that's the appeal of Zion. He's the guy in a harder to replicate position where you can more easily find your #2 that helps you win titles. Kind of like how LBJ on the Lakers was meaningless, but add AD and it becomes a whole different dynamic.
IWishIWasAPro
EOG Master
Kendrick Perkins went off the other day saying Zion needs a serious diet.
People down in New Orleans come up to you and say " hey baby, Ive got this fried catfish, fried gator" Its hard to tell them no.
People down in New Orleans come up to you and say " hey baby, Ive got this fried catfish, fried gator" Its hard to tell them no.
Heim
EOG Master
Come on now...you add AD to Memphis they're a serious contender for the title. Morant took over the game yesterday for a quarter and a half, not just scoring but the ability to find Clark and Dillon open despite the defense not respecting his shot. Barkley a undersized #4 never won anything. Zion will never come close to Charles. Plus what are the chances any FA wants to go to NOLA to change the dynamics?
Wait until Zion meets the playoffs....it's a whole new ballgame especially the way he's defended. Yesterday was playoff intensity.....Morant, pretty good.
WildBill
2
Good luck getting AD to Memphis. That's the hard part, that's what I'm saying. Once you have an AD in place, other players want to go there or want him to come to their team. Getting the guy to play PG/SG/SF high usage player is a far easier task to get because there are a lot of them out there.