Zion Williamson

[Justwar]

Zion doesn't have his ball handling and unsure about tenacity.

[TKainZero]

He has a Shaq body type in a shooting guards body

I have never seen a player that looks so... like he could run through a brick wall...

[ellobo]

http://www.espn.com/nba/insider/story/_/id/20962692/scouting-best-2019-nba-draft-prospects-usa-basketball-juniors-camp
"Williamson measured just 6-5 barefoot, with a 6-10½ wingspan and a 8-7 standing reach. While he has the height of a small forward, his massive 272 pound frame is clearly best suited for the center position and will have to be toned significantly if he's to maximize his potential, as he currently looks heavy and out of shape."

Recently at the Duke combine, he maxed out a 12" vertec and they had to put the tester on top of 2 25lb plates which adds 3 1/2" or so. He came within about 1 1/2" from the top so he has about a 12' 2" vertical touch. Subtract his 8' 7" standing reach and he has about a 43 inch max vertical.

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This reminds me of the Boris Diaw cappuccino story:
"Boris walks into the gym one day wearing flip-flops and holding his customary cappuccino, which was a staple for him every morning," [then Suns Assistant General Manager David] Griffin recalled. "It was during pre-draft workouts, so he sees the Vertec [machine] and asks what it is.

"We tell him it measures your vertical leap by determining how many of the bars you can touch. He asks what's the highest anyone has ever gone, and we tell him Amare' [Stoudemire] cleared the entire rack.

"Boris puts down the cappuccino, takes off his flip-flops and clears the entire rack on the first try. Then he calmly puts his flip-flops back on, picks up his cappuccino and walks away, saying, 'That was not difficult.'"

http://www.espn.com/nba/playoffs/2014/story/_/id/11084748/boris-diaw-dishes-san-antonio-spurs

[akhan786]

Well....it seems like his body is taking well to a D1 weight training program already...

Look at those tree trunk arms at 4:46

Watch on YouTube

;t=3s

I'm really excited to see what kind of defensive prospect he is at the college level. I gotta see it before I believe it (given his level of competition in high school and his height), but he could be the next great athletic freak in the league if he channels his god-given gifts intelligently. And I believe that would be developing his game into being a swiss army knife ala Draymond.

[TKainZero]

I saw the duke vertical test. He jumps so high it looks like his shoulders are above the rim.

I think you just give him the ball and let him develop

No idea what position he will play. Anywhere from 2-4. I wonder what will happen to his weight. His body is huge. NBA body at 16?

What if he grows too big?

[DaddyCool19]

Does he have to be 280 lbs? His playing style doesn't seem like that friendly to his ankles and knees. If he is 6'7 in shoes and has a close to 7 ft wingspan, wouldn't it be enough if he was 20-30 lbs lighter?

[kuclas]

Is there any footage of him being defended by taller lankier players. I don’t see him being very effective when driving against gobert or embiid.

Heck. I think he would have issues with KD and similar type players.

[Duke4life831]

Is there any footage of him being defended by taller lankier players. I don’t see him being very effective when driving against gobert or embiid.

Heck. I think he would have issues with KD and similar type players.

Put up 28/10 going against Matur Maker and Makur Mater (Thon's brother and cousin). He was MVP of Adidas Nations and the NBA Top 100 camp.

[clyde21]

Zion's handle and playmaking is getting extremely underrated tbh.

It's like people see this monster athlete and forget to look at the skills.

[Duke4life831]

Zion's handle and playmaking is getting extremely underrated tbh.

It's like people see this monster athlete and forget to look at the skills.

Ya Zion is more than just athleticism and fancy dunks. Mac Mcclung is really popular for his cool dunks as well. But that is actually all he can do, and that is why he is a 3 star recruit, not a top 5 recruit like Zion. I think people also see a bunch of his most flashiest dunks that come in blow out games against tiny competition and think he isnt a stud against top end competition. Again this dude was MVP of Adidas Nations and NBA Top 100 camp. He has been a stud against anyone he has played.

[skiz2]

It is hard for me to properly evaluate Zion. He really doesn’t embody anyone I have seen ever. Athletically he is Lebron, but doesn’t have Lebron’s IQ. His jumpshot is very suspect at the moment, though he has above average ball handling that can develop into great ball handling. He spends too much time on the perimeter for my taste. At 6’5” 285 lbs his low center of gravity should actually be terrifying for most 6’10” bigs that he posts up, but he doesn’t do it too often.

I have a weird vision if I were Coach K of how to use him where if he has a big on him to post him up (his low center of gravity and strength will enable him to push most bigs back as far as he wants). If he has a wing, then use him like Cal used Randle, get him to the free throw line and get out of the way.

He and Cam Reddish are two really hard players for me to project. I think that Reddish’s success will depend on his effort and Zion’s will depend on how well he continues to develop his basketball IQ and knowing when to post and when to drive.

To me Barrett and Little are the safest picks in the draft in the sense that they have a high floor and high ceilings.

[cgf]

Assuming we don't see a new Reddish now that he's in college & playing with guys like Barrett & ZIon, the big question for me with Cam will be where he lands. As I'm not sure if the concern with him is actually effort so much as it's (a lack of) assertiveness.

He kinda reminds me of a young t-mac; an incredibly diverse skillset, background as a PG, not very aggro personality & playing style. If he lands with a strong coach on a team where the culture allows his confidence to grow & where the style of play allows the playmaking duties to be shared so that he can quickly get comfortable playing his game; then I'm a lot less concerned than if he lands on a poorly coached team that has multiple selfish scorers.

[prime1time]

Is there any footage of him being defended by taller lankier players. I don’t see him being very effective when driving against gobert or embiid.

Heck. I think he would have issues with KD and similar type players.

LOL! KD at 210 is not coming close to stopping Zion. In the era of small ball, if this guy develops a passable 3 point shot it's over. No one is stopping him in transition. No one is stopping him when he cuts hard to the hoop. And skinny guys like KD will go flying as soon as Zion puts his body on there's. Already, there's a lack of players that can actually guard him. If he works hard and improve his tallent, he has a chance to be a hof.

[prime1time]

It is hard for me to properly evaluate Zion. He really doesn’t embody anyone I have seen ever. Athletically he is Lebron, but doesn’t have Lebron’s IQ. His jumpshot is very suspect at the moment, though he has above average ball handling that can develop into great ball handling. He spends too much time on the perimeter for my taste. At 6’5” 285 lbs his low center of gravity should actually be terrifying for most 6’10” bigs that he posts up, but he doesn’t do it too often.

I have a weird vision if I were Coach K of how to use him where if he has a big on him to post him up (his low center of gravity and strength will enable him to push most bigs back as far as he wants). If he has a wing, then use him like Cal used Randle, get him to the free throw line and get out of the way.

He and Cam Reddish are two really hard players for me to project. I think that Reddish’s success will depend on his effort and Zion’s will depend on how well he continues to develop his basketball IQ and knowing when to post and when to drive.

To me Barrett and Little are the safest picks in the draft in the sense that they have a high floor and high ceilings.

What do you think about Charles Barkley comparisons for Zion?

[skiz2]

It is hard for me to properly evaluate Zion. He really doesn’t embody anyone I have seen ever. Athletically he is Lebron, but doesn’t have Lebron’s IQ. His jumpshot is very suspect at the moment, though he has above average ball handling that can develop into great ball handling. He spends too much time on the perimeter for my taste. At 6’5” 285 lbs his low center of gravity should actually be terrifying for most 6’10” bigs that he posts up, but he doesn’t do it too often.

I have a weird vision if I were Coach K of how to use him where if he has a big on him to post him up (his low center of gravity and strength will enable him to push most bigs back as far as he wants). If he has a wing, then use him like Cal used Randle, get him to the free throw line and get out of the way.

He and Cam Reddish are two really hard players for me to project. I think that Reddish’s success will depend on his effort and Zion’s will depend on how well he continues to develop his basketball IQ and knowing when to post and when to drive.

To me Barrett and Little are the safest picks in the draft in the sense that they have a high floor and high ceilings.

What do you think about Charles Barkley comparisons for Zion?

If Zion could do the things that I described above, I think that is the closest comparison that one could draw.

Presently the biggest difference between the two is that Barkley loved to mix it up down low. Zion needs to do that more often, IMHO.

[kuclas]

Is there any footage of him being defended by taller lankier players. I don’t see him being very effective when driving against gobert or embiid.

Heck. I think he would have issues with KD and similar type players.

LOL! KD at 210 is not coming close to stopping Zion. In the era of small ball, if this guy develops a passable 3 point shot it's over. No one is stopping him in transition. No one is stopping him when he cuts hard to the hoop. And skinny guys like KD will go flying as soon as Zion puts his body on there's. Already, there's a lack of players that can actually guard him. If he works hard and improve his tallent, he has a chance to be a hof.

KD 2018 is a lot stronger than KD rookie. So don’t see guys who look lanky are weak.

That’s what Zion will have to deal with in the NBA. Taller guys he can’t bully. With rare exception of guys like Charles Barkley and to a lesser degree Larry Johnson. Short “explosive” 6 foot 6 “power forwards” who can handle the ball do not succeed in the nba

[prime1time]

Is there any footage of him being defended by taller lankier players. I don’t see him being very effective when driving against gobert or embiid.

Heck. I think he would have issues with KD and similar type players.

LOL! KD at 210 is not coming close to stopping Zion. In the era of small ball, if this guy develops a passable 3 point shot it's over. No one is stopping him in transition. No one is stopping him when he cuts hard to the hoop. And skinny guys like KD will go flying as soon as Zion puts his body on there's. Already, there's a lack of players that can actually guard him. If he works hard and improve his tallent, he has a chance to be a hof.

KD 2018 is a lot stronger than KD rookie. So don’t see guys who look lanky are weak.

That’s what Zion will have to deal with in the NBA. Taller guys he can’t bully. With rare exception of guys like Charles Barkley and to a lesser degree Larry Johnson. Short “explosive” 6 foot 6 “power forwards” who can handle the ball do not succeed in the nba

What about Charles Barkley? Also, KD was a twig when he came into the league. He's not stopping a 285 pound Zion.

[Duke4life831]

It is hard for me to properly evaluate Zion. He really doesn’t embody anyone I have seen ever. Athletically he is Lebron, but doesn’t have Lebron’s IQ. His jumpshot is very suspect at the moment, though he has above average ball handling that can develop into great ball handling. He spends too much time on the perimeter for my taste. At 6’5” 285 lbs his low center of gravity should actually be terrifying for most 6’10” bigs that he posts up, but he doesn’t do it too often.

I have a weird vision if I were Coach K of how to use him where if he has a big on him to post him up (his low center of gravity and strength will enable him to push most bigs back as far as he wants). If he has a wing, then use him like Cal used Randle, get him to the free throw line and get out of the way.

He and Cam Reddish are two really hard players for me to project. I think that Reddish’s success will depend on his effort and Zion’s will depend on how well he continues to develop his basketball IQ and knowing when to post and when to drive.

To me Barrett and Little are the safest picks in the draft in the sense that they have a high floor and high ceilings.

What do you think about Charles Barkley comparisons for Zion?

If Zion could do the things that I described above, I think that is the closest comparison that one could draw.

Presently the biggest difference between the two is that Barkley loved to mix it up down low. Zion needs to do that more often, IMHO.

Zion has a little bit of this to him. He is a really good rebounder and likes to mix it up when it comes to rebounding. With that said, from the reports Ive heard from Duke so far, his handle is coming along very well and theyve been surprised with his passing. Im actually coming around to the thought process that right now his handle is more important than his jumper. Keep tightening up his handle and who ever drafts him, put him in a Giannis type role. Have him attack off the dribble a lot from the perimeter. It takes a rare athlete to be able to still be able to attack off the dribble even with no threat of a jumper, Zion is that freak athlete.

[prime1time]

What do you think about Charles Barkley comparisons for Zion?

If Zion could do the things that I described above, I think that is the closest comparison that one could draw.

Presently the biggest difference between the two is that Barkley loved to mix it up down low. Zion needs to do that more often, IMHO.

Zion has a little bit of this to him. He is a really good rebounder and likes to mix it up when it comes to rebounding. With that said, from the reports I've heard from Duke so far, his handle is coming along very well and they've been surprised with his passing. I'm actually coming around to the thought process that right now his handle is more important than his jumper. Keep tightening up his handle and whoever drafts him, put him in a Giannis' type role. Have him attack off the dribble a lot from the perimeter. It takes a rare athlete to be able to still be able to attack off the dribble even with no threat of a jumper, Zion is that freak athlete.

I don't know. These days I'm starting to seek the weakness more and more in that style of offense. Of course, have Zion attack off the dribble, but why limit his game? Put him in both the high post and the low post. Have him work on his post game and his post passing. Give a set 3 to space the floor. And get him acclimated to either attacking quickly or decisively or passing the ball. This way, you training Zion to be part of an offense instead of the offense.

A good comparison would be who the Spurs bought along Kawhi to how the 76ers and Bucks are bringing along Simmons and Giannis respectively.

Watch on YouTube

;frags=pl%2Cwn

[skiz2]

If Zion could do the things that I described above, I think that is the closest comparison that one could draw.

Presently the biggest difference between the two is that Barkley loved to mix it up down low. Zion needs to do that more often, IMHO.

Zion has a little bit of this to him. He is a really good rebounder and likes to mix it up when it comes to rebounding. With that said, from the reports I've heard from Duke so far, his handle is coming along very well and they've been surprised with his passing. I'm actually coming around to the thought process that right now his handle is more important than his jumper. Keep tightening up his handle and whoever drafts him, put him in a Giannis' type role. Have him attack off the dribble a lot from the perimeter. It takes a rare athlete to be able to still be able to attack off the dribble even with no threat of a jumper, Zion is that freak athlete.

I don't know. These days I'm starting to seek the weakness more and more in that style of offense. Of course, have Zion attack off the dribble, but why limit his game? Put him in both the high post and the low post. Have him work on his post game and his post passing. Give a set 3 to space the floor. And get him acclimated to either attacking quickly or decisively or passing the ball. This way, you training Zion to be part of an offense instead of the offense.

A good comparison would be who the Spurs bought along Kawhi to how the 76ers and Bucks are bringing along Simmons and Giannis respectively.

Watch on YouTube

;frags=pl%2Cwn

I do agree he does mix it up sometimes down low on rebounds. I just want to see that and post ups more consistently especially for someone so forceful with a low center of gravity. I don’t foresee many people being able to stop him one on one in the post.

In an AAU game the summer of their rising senior season Zion and Nassir Little faced off. In all honesty Nas really got the best of him for 3/4’s of the game until SC Supreme decided to put him down low. No one could stop Zion once that happened. The reason being is that Zion being checked by an NBA level defender from the perimeter presented him challenges.

I think this is what I am getting at. He needs to fully be comfortable recognizing that someone lankier and comparitive athletically is not someone Zion should be trying to blow past on the perimeter. He needs to post that fool up and make him work. Close to no one on any level can not stop a 6’6” 285 lbs muscular monster backing them down. One on one he can push anyone to the basket. If the double comes, he has the vision to find the open guy.

I am not concerned with his jumpshot as much as others are. If he can hit at a respectable clip from the free throw line and the occasional 3 he will be fine. His success, IMHO is knowing who to post up and knowing to who drive on. He masters this, he will have an NBA career full of triple doubles and stardom.