Zion Williamson in the NBA?

[countryboi]

I could put Zion on any NBA team right now and he would avg a double double. his physical gifts are move than enough to make up for the lack of range and height.

[VanWest82]

Wow, people need to pump the brakes. Him at age 18 is nothing compared to LBJ at age 18. Dunk good though and the hype train just goes off the rails. I'd clearly take him #1 and don't see a way he's not at least a solid NBA player but relax people and try to remember that he's going to have to play on the wing in the NBA due to his height and remember he just won't be able to bully everyone in the NBA as tons of guys can physically bang with him. We'll likely never see a phenom at LBJs level in our lifetimes.

I agree that his game is nothing like Lebron's was and comparing them is dumb, but you're not doing Zion justice here. He's not going to play on the wing, and he's absolutely strong enough to bang with NBA bigs inside. Teams will play him at PF and occasionally go small with him at the five because he's such a good rim protector and help defender.

Also, as big as the gap is offensively between Zion and Lebron (then and now), it's just as big defensively in the other direction. I'm not suggesting that Lebron wasn't a good defender and at times a great defender, but Zion is on the short list for best defensive prospects of all time. Obviously great offense is more impactful than great defense, and that's a big reason why Lebron was such a great prospect and why he's become the second greatest player ever, but let's not sell Zion short. He's going to be a monster at the next level.

[DingleJerry]

Wow, people need to pump the brakes. Him at age 18 is nothing compared to LBJ at age 18. Dunk good though and the hype train just goes off the rails. I'd clearly take him #1 and don't see a way he's not at least a solid NBA player but relax people and try to remember that he's going to have to play on the wing in the NBA due to his height and remember he just won't be able to bully everyone in the NBA as tons of guys can physically bang with him. We'll likely never see a phenom at LBJs level in our lifetimes.

I agree that his game is nothing like Lebron's was and comparing them is dumb, but you're not doing Zion justice here. He's not going to play on the wing, and he's absolutely strong enough to bang with NBA bigs inside. Teams will play him at PF and occasionally go small with him at the five because he's such a good rim protector and help defender.

Also, as big as the gap is offensively between Zion and Lebron (then and now), it's just as big defensively in the other direction. I'm not suggesting that Lebron wasn't a good defender and at times a great defender, but Zion is on the short list for best defensive prospects of all time. Obviously great offense is more impactful than great defense, and that's a big reason why Lebron was such a great prospect and why he's become the second greatest player ever, but let's not sell Zion short. He's going to be a monster at the next level.

He measured at 6'5.5 last year. Maybe he's grown a bit, maybe not. We'll see at the combine. Of course modern NBA that's not as big of an issue as 15 years ago but that's going to be tough to play down low vs 6'11 guys.

[rcc8884]

Last night from around 15 minutes to 10 minutes left in the first half was the most dominent I have ever seen someone be on a basketball court

If you watched the full game last night against Syracuse, you would understand the Lebron comparisons; If you didn't, then this sounds like lunacy but I would recommend you go watch the first 10ish minutes of the game

[clyde21]

he's gonna be incredible, you're not saying much OP and not really going on a limb.

this isn't new stuff. been saying it for 2 years now.

[VanWest82]

Wow, people need to pump the brakes. Him at age 18 is nothing compared to LBJ at age 18. Dunk good though and the hype train just goes off the rails. I'd clearly take him #1 and don't see a way he's not at least a solid NBA player but relax people and try to remember that he's going to have to play on the wing in the NBA due to his height and remember he just won't be able to bully everyone in the NBA as tons of guys can physically bang with him. We'll likely never see a phenom at LBJs level in our lifetimes.

I agree that his game is nothing like Lebron's was and comparing them is dumb, but you're not doing Zion justice here. He's not going to play on the wing, and he's absolutely strong enough to bang with NBA bigs inside. Teams will play him at PF and occasionally go small with him at the five because he's such a good rim protector and help defender.

Also, as big as the gap is offensively between Zion and Lebron (then and now), it's just as big defensively in the other direction. I'm not suggesting that Lebron wasn't a good defender and at times a great defender, but Zion is on the short list for best defensive prospects of all time. Obviously great offense is more impactful than great defense, and that's a big reason why Lebron was such a great prospect and why he's become the second greatest player ever, but let's not sell Zion short. He's going to be a monster at the next level.

He measured at 6'5.5 last year. Maybe he's grown a bit, maybe not. We'll see at the combine. Of course modern NBA that's not as big of an issue as 15 years ago but that's going to be tough to play down low vs 6'11 guys.

He's the same height as Draymond Green (~6'7 in shoes), who plays PF and occasionally moves to the center spot. The difference is Draymond weighs ~235 whereas Zion weighs ~270. He plays above the rim and covers ground better than any athlete currently in the NBA that's anywhere near his size. His core strength is unbelievable, and his defensive instincts are very advanced for his age. His height isn't going to be the problem you think it is.

[abark]

Watch on YouTube

Watch on YouTube

6-10 and 6-9 Zion's who were not better than LeBron.

Those guys werent 280 pound tanks at 18. Say what you will, but there has never been a player with Zion's physical profile.

Dude is averaging 22, 9, 2, 2.3, 1.8 on 70% shooting as a freshman. He doesn't turn 19 until June.

Mcdyess averaged 14, 10, 0.5, 0.8, 2 on 50% shooting as a sophomore.

Kemp came straight out of HS so we can't compare.

[LakerLegend]

I agree that his game is nothing like Lebron's was and comparing them is dumb, but you're not doing Zion justice here. He's not going to play on the wing, and he's absolutely strong enough to bang with NBA bigs inside. Teams will play him at PF and occasionally go small with him at the five because he's such a good rim protector and help defender.

Also, as big as the gap is offensively between Zion and Lebron (then and now), it's just as big defensively in the other direction. I'm not suggesting that Lebron wasn't a good defender and at times a great defender, but Zion is on the short list for best defensive prospects of all time. Obviously great offense is more impactful than great defense, and that's a big reason why Lebron was such a great prospect and why he's become the second greatest player ever, but let's not sell Zion short. He's going to be a monster at the next level.

He measured at 6'5.5 last year. Maybe he's grown a bit, maybe not. We'll see at the combine. Of course modern NBA that's not as big of an issue as 15 years ago but that's going to be tough to play down low vs 6'11 guys.

He's the same height as Draymond Green (~6'7 in shoes), who plays PF and occasionally moves the center spot. The difference is Draymond weighs ~235 whereas Zion weighs ~270. He plays above the rim and covers ground better than any athlete currently in the NBA that's anywhere near his size. His core strength is unbelievable. His height isn't going to be the problem you think it is.

What's Zion's wingspan?

[Lunartic]

Would anyone here sign Williamson to a supermax right now? You bypass the draft and just pay him a 10 year vet supermax.

Takers?

[Patches Perry]

I have only watched a few games, but from what I've seen, he is at least going to be a prime Blake Griffin. In a league where basically every offense is predicated on drive and kick though, I'm wondering where his offensive dominance will come from. Generally, offensively dominant players compromise defenses by either being elite ball handlers who constantly get into the paint and kick out, or by being elite shooters who stretch the defense, or some combination of both.

Unless Zion becomes as good of a ball handler/passer as LeBron/Giannis, or as good of a shooter as let's say someone like Durant/George/Leonard, I don't see how he is going to consistently create offense for his team. Maybe he can be a defensive anchor, like a prime Draymond, but also be a 2nd option 20-24ppg offensively?

He obviously has all the ability in the world, but I'll be interested to see what kind of player he becomes, and where he chooses to use his ability in order to yield the most impact.

[LakerLegend]

Watch on YouTube

Watch on YouTube

6-10 and 6-9 Zion's who were not better than LeBron.

Those guys werent 280 pound tanks at 18. Say what you will, but there has never been a player with Zion's physical profile.

Dude is averaging 22, 9, 2, 2.3, 1.8 on 70% shooting as a freshman.

Mcdyess averaged 14, 10, 0.5, 0.8, 2 on 50% shooting as a sophomore.

Kemp came straight out of HS so we can't compare.

Players nowadays have earlier access and emphasis to serious lifting/nutrition programs, but they don't see the same physical growth in the early 20's as players did back then because of it.

Zion isn't going to add the same amount physical development as guys like Kemp/McDyess did once they entered the NBA.

[clyde21]

Would anyone here sign Williamson to a supermax right now? You bypass the draft and just pay him a 10 year vet supermax.

Takers?

Where do I sign?

[LakerLegend]

Would anyone here sign Williamson to a supermax right now? You bypass the draft and just pay him a 10 year vet supermax.

Takers?

Nope, injury is always a high possibility with his frame and playstyle.

[DingleJerry]

I agree that his game is nothing like Lebron's was and comparing them is dumb, but you're not doing Zion justice here. He's not going to play on the wing, and he's absolutely strong enough to bang with NBA bigs inside. Teams will play him at PF and occasionally go small with him at the five because he's such a good rim protector and help defender.

Also, as big as the gap is offensively between Zion and Lebron (then and now), it's just as big defensively in the other direction. I'm not suggesting that Lebron wasn't a good defender and at times a great defender, but Zion is on the short list for best defensive prospects of all time. Obviously great offense is more impactful than great defense, and that's a big reason why Lebron was such a great prospect and why he's become the second greatest player ever, but let's not sell Zion short. He's going to be a monster at the next level.

He measured at 6'5.5 last year. Maybe he's grown a bit, maybe not. We'll see at the combine. Of course modern NBA that's not as big of an issue as 15 years ago but that's going to be tough to play down low vs 6'11 guys.

He's the same height as Draymond Green (~6'7 in shoes), who plays PF and occasionally moves the center spot. The difference is Draymond weighs ~235 whereas Zion weighs ~270. He plays above the rim and covers ground better than any athlete currently in the NBA that's anywhere near his size. His core strength is unbelievable. His height isn't going to be the problem you think it is.

But Draymond doesn't score. he facilitates. I'm not saying it's going to prevent him from being a good player but he's going to have to expand his game as scoring at the rim gets much harder at 6'6 vs NBA size bigs. But again we're discussing good player vs top 10 ever level. that's what I'm saying, gonna be tough to get to all time level without expanding. I agree his best 'role' in the NBA right now with his skillset would be assaulting the pain Giannis style. Giannis is 6'11 though with crazy long arms.

All that said, his aggression, effort, seems like work ethic. All the 'intangible' stuff is there so it's very reasonable he does progress and add more like I'm saying he needs to do in order to get to this awesome level people are hyping.

[316Hornets]

Would anyone here sign Williamson to a supermax right now? You bypass the draft and just pay him a 10 year vet supermax.

Takers?

HaHAHAHA!!

[BadWolf]

He's gonna be better then John Collins on offense right?

[316Hornets]

Big thing with Zion will be what are the refs going to allow defenders to get away with. This guy coming down the lane is going to leave a lot of crushed bodies if guys don't get out of the way. How will he handle getting tossed to the floor multiple games in a season?

[abark]

Watch on YouTube

Watch on YouTube

6-10 and 6-9 Zion's who were not better than LeBron.

Those guys werent 280 pound tanks at 18. Say what you will, but there has never been a player with Zion's physical profile.

Dude is averaging 22, 9, 2, 2.3, 1.8 on 70% shooting as a freshman.

Mcdyess averaged 14, 10, 0.5, 0.8, 2 on 50% shooting as a sophomore.

Kemp came straight out of HS so we can't compare.

Players nowadays have earlier access and emphasis to serious lifting/nutrition programs, but they don't see the same physical growth in the early 20's as players did back then because of it.

Zion isn't going to add the same amount physical development as guys like Kemp/McDyess did once they entered the NBA.

Well again, I can't compare to Kemp since he skipped college.

But Zion and Antonio were both playing against competition with equal lifting and nutrition programs. However, Zion is dominating at a significantly higher level than Antonio did in even his second year.

There was never a time where Antonio or Kemp reached being an athletic 280 pounds at any point in their primes.

Zion is a absolute physical freak compared to every other guy on the court, and those guys all have access to the same training and nutrition.

[Metallikid]

Am I the only person who thinks RJ is going to have a much better career?

[Ryo Coola]

He's gonna be better then John Collins on offense right?

I would imagine this, but better. John Collins is pretty amazing though as an off the ball offensive guy. Reminds me of Shawn Marion. Zion seems more Blake.

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