socialsavant wrote:Zion looking like the best player in this class right now. It's clear to me now that people that don't like him just don't get basketball. The things he can do on the court, 99% of other ball players just can't do. He's showcased above average passing ability and IQ in the three Canadian games he's played (passing and IQ are easily translatable to the pros) and if he can prove to be a decent free throw shooter, he should be the #1 overall pick. His efficiency is incredibile. His finishing ability (not just dunks) is elite already, he has the potential to be an elite rebounder regardless the position (think Barkley or Rodman), and he can set up his teammates for easy plays because the defense is looking at him so much. To the poster that tried to discredit my Kawhi comp, just know that I'm looking at these guys at where they were at the same age. He can be that type of defender because he's so athletic. Kawhi is the only player in the world that can guard Lebron because of his strength, length, and lateral quickness. Zion possesses all of these traits. I know the trend these days is to try and discredit players who generate a lot of hype (see Trae Young and Lonzo Ball) and herald lesser known guys but I don't care about trends. I make observations and that's what I talk about. Everyone that I talk to that's seen this kid play agrees, he's a generational type of talent. RJ Barrett is much more skilled than him (partly because he's had the advantage of working with some amazing trainers and coaches) but Zion can leave his mark on the game with or without the ball. Zion's presence is felt as soon as he steps onto the court. I thought he could only play well in transition. I couldn't have been more wrong. In the half court he's a monster, fake passes, pump fakes, in-out dribble, hanging in the air for a layup, misses (rarely but it happens), second jump, throw down. He will absolutely dominate the college ranks. He's also not a big, he's a WING!!!! Tank for Zion!
This Zion stuff is completely out of control. Yes, he's a good prospect but suggesting he's shown all he needs to show at this point is simply untrue.
Comparing him to Kawhii defensively is insulting to Kawhii. What makes him great defensively has nothing to do with physical tools.
And one cannot be an "elite" finisher one-handed which is what Zion is right now. And he cannot be a "wing" until he improves both his shooting and ballhandling.
I say none of this to say what he "can't" be or that he's not someone we should draft at some point. I'm merely trying to offer some sensible counters to the kool-aid drinking going on with this kid.
And it's not simply en vogue to tear down guys who garner hype. It's simply a byproduct of over-exposure. The longer folks 'know about' a guy, the longer they have to break down their games. IOW, nobody's out to get Zion.
He is very much a work in progress - basketball-wise.
*INGRAM*ALLSTARSEASON* JaKobe Starter
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