Zion is going to be a Flat Out Superstar, Zero Bust Potential

[AngelEyes]

This guy is not only going to be great but he's going to be a dominant superstar in the NBA. Physically he's just far superior to just about anybody in basketball. As an 18 year old his shot is decent and will only improve over time. Nobody is going to be able to stop him from getting to the basket, he's going to be a terror in the paint, he's too explosive and too strong to be stopped close to the basket. He's also going to be instantly dynamic in transition, next year Giannis and Zion will probably be the two best finishers in the NBA. I think he'll have a great rookie season, barring injuries, I think he could average 20 ppg on good efficiency.

[SouBeachTalents]

Unbelievable performance, but how the fck do you go perfect from the field, then 2/9 from the line :biggums:

[AngelEyes]

How the fck you go perfect from the field, then 2/9 from the line :biggums:

He's 18. If free throws are one of his biggest flaws then I'd take that, he has a lot of time to work on them.

[Bronbron23]

Nba is a different animal. He won't have as much of a size and athleticism advantage. He's to short to dominate the post and he's not skilled enough to dominate the midrange and perimeter. He'll be good and probably a star but I dought he'll be a superstar.

[AngelEyes]

Nba is a different animal. He won't have as much of a size and athleticism advantage. He's to short to dominate the post and he's not skilled enough to dominate the midrange and perimeter. He'll be good and probably a star but I dought he'll be a superstar.

The NBA is a different animal but this guy is a all time special athlete. The moment he steps foot on an NBA floor he'll be a top 5 athlete in the NBA. He'll still have a considerable strength and explosiveness advantage on the vast majority of defenders.

[Knicksfever2010]

Nba is a different animal. He won't have as much of a size and athleticism advantage. He's to short to dominate the post and he's not skilled enough to dominate the midrange and perimeter. He'll be good and probably a star but I dought he'll be a superstar.

He is a man among boys and he's only 18 and might grow a few more inches. He's already jacked and he's dunking from the foul line. If he develops ANY kind of jump shot, he will be a Hall of Famer.

[plowking]

Nba is a different animal. He won't have as much of a size and athleticism advantage. He's to short to dominate the post and he's not skilled enough to dominate the midrange and perimeter. He'll be good and probably a star but I dought he'll be a superstar.

Julius Randle is putting up 20/9 this season.

Zion does just about everything better than him, and has a far bigger motor, while being just as adept physically.

There may be a learning curve, but there is no chance he doesn't become an 18/10 guy at the very least. The very least.

[scuzzy]

Welcome to the fam, op

[Dr. Cheesesteak]

He is a man among boys and he's only 18 and might grow a few more inches. He's already jacked and he's dunking from the foul line. If he develops ANY kind of jump shot, he will be a Hall of Famer.
wishful thinking since NYK is getting him at #1 most likely.

I'm in the group of ppl who think he'll be "pretty good" at best. Dude is 6'7", 300lbs, and can't spread the floor? I don't care how athletic he is, that doesn't work in 2019 in the NBA. Nor will it probably for another 5 years at least, until the game evolves a different away, if it even does.

[Mr.GOAT2408]

Looking forward to seeing him dominate the NBA :rockon:

[RoseCity07]

He's 6-7 and getting by on physical dominance. That is not a good sign. I think he has a high bust potential.

I'm seeing undersized power forward rather than a Lebron type style of play. He looks to be more a a Draymond and Montrez Harrell typ of player.

[smoovegittar]

He'll be a welcome addition to NYC's youth movement. I look forward to watching his developement under Fiz, Mitch, Dot, Trier, Knox and ________ free agent. Nice :cheers:

[ImKobe]

If that man develops a jumper...

[Elosha]

He's 6-7 and getting by on physical dominance. That is not a good sign. I think he has a high bust potential.

I'm seeing undersized power forward rather than a Lebron type style of play. He looks to be more a a Draymond and Montrez Harrell typ of player.

See, I think he's got a lot more going for him than just pure athleticism. He's got really good handles, great crossover, in and out dribble, etc. I can't think of anyone his size with that kind of handle, combined with a great first step.

Jumper is ... improving slowly but steadily. Incredible motor, nose for the ball, and just general joy and love of the game while he plays. All of those bode well for a superstar. That said, I'm worried about his weight. It's so spectacular to see what he can accomplish at his size, but I don't know if a human being can sustain that weight at the NBA level year after year. I'd like to see him get down to "only" 260 or so.

[Bronbron23]

The NBA is a different animal but this guy is a all time special athlete. The moment he steps foot on an NBA floor he'll be a top 5 athlete in the NBA. He'll still have a considerable strength and explosiveness advantage on the vast majority of defenders.
He'll probably be the best athlete in the NBA. He'll definitely be good. I just don't think superstar good. Even with him being the best athlete he won't be able to bully guys in the post in the NBA like he does college. He has absolutely zero midrange game and he's ok from the perimeter. He'll thrive in open court situations but against good defences that can force a half court tempo he'll have a tough time.

I don't see him leading a team to the playoffs as the teams best player but he'd be a good second option and a amazing third option. He's a workhorse. I could see him playing a Draymond roll even better than Draymond does

[Bronbron23]

Julius Randle is putting up 20/9 this season.

Zion does just about everything better than him, and has a far bigger motor, while being just as adept physically.

There may be a learning curve, but there is no chance he doesn't become an 18/10 guy at the very least. The very least.
Yeah I could easily see 18/10. I said I could see him being an all star so 18/10 to 22/12 is right around that. I just don't see superstar in him. He has to many holes in his game offensively.

[superduper]

Dude's gonna suck dick

[theballerFKA Ace]

He's 6-7 and getting by on physical dominance. That is not a good sign. I think he has a high bust potential.

I'm seeing undersized power forward rather than a Lebron type style of play. He looks to be more a a Draymond and Montrez Harrell typ of player.

He's not a long 6'7 either. His standing reach reportedly is only 8'7 which is about the same as D'Angelo Russell.

Still, if Blake Griffin and Jimmy Butler can get by with short wingspans, I guess it's possible for Zion too.

[Grey Dawn]

Also in the only looks so good because of his body vs. college bodies camp.

He may end up good, but very far from guaranteed.

[Akrazotile]

Welcome to the fam, op


LeZion :rockon:

[eliteballer]

If he's not at least an All-Star caliber player I'll be shocked, players who are that special physically and have some semblance of basketball skills/IQ/motor don't turn into busts.

[Patrick Chewing]

So the guy he resembles the most in terms of body and size is Rodney Rogers. Everyone talking about Charles Barkley and Shawn Kemp.


http://assets.espn.com/photo/2008/1205/nba_g_rrogers1_400.jpg


https://66.media.tumblr.com/d86db50878c0b17306a1acf3fa8b9bc0/tumblr_nn4psa00g31sdydefo1_r1_400.gif

[FireDavidKahn]

See, I think he's got a lot more going for him than just pure athleticism. He's got really good handles, great crossover, in and out dribble, etc. I can't think of anyone his size with that kind of handle, combined with a great first step.

Jumper is ... improving slowly but steadily. Incredible motor, nose for the ball, and just general joy and love of the game while he plays. All of those bode well for a superstar. That said, I'm worried about his weight. It's so spectacular to see what he can accomplish at his size, but I don't know if a human being can sustain that weight at the NBA level year after year. I'd like to see him get down to "only" 260 or so.
Not to mention he is a really good defender and has amazing instincts when going for blocks and steals.

People only say he has no skill based *purely* on the fact of how athletic the guy is.

[FireDavidKahn]

So the guy he resembles the most in terms of body and size is Rodney Rogers. Everyone talking about Charles Barkley and Shawn Kemp.


http://assets.espn.com/photo/2008/1205/nba_g_rrogers1_400.jpg


https://66.media.tumblr.com/d86db50878c0b17306a1acf3fa8b9bc0/tumblr_nn4psa00g31sdydefo1_r1_400.gif
And Zion has like 40 pounds on the guy.

[bizil]

I would say best case scenario in the league, Zion would be a mix of Barkley, Rodney Rogers, Larry Johnson, and Anthony Mason. All these guys are in that 6'6 to 6'7 250+ pound bracket. But Zion being 280 makes him more of an outlier of course:

Barkley - Freak athletic PF (an inch or two taller than Chuck, but still undersized height wise). Dominant alpha dog scorer, great rebounder, great passing PF. BUT can swing to the SF at times because of his skill level. And height wise, fits better there at times. Can take it off the glass and go all the way like Chuck used to and finish with sick monster jams. Those WHO DON'T see some comparison to Chuck are delusional. It DOESN'T have to be an exact comparions. But among ANY SUPERSTAR to ever play in the NBA, Chuck is the CLOSEST to Zion. Zion could just be the evolution.

Rogers - His scoring skillset and being left handed is where the Rogers comparison is most apt. Even though Rogers was also a stud athlete as well. BUT Rogers was NEVER CLOSE to being an All Star. So being compared to Rogers ONLY goes so far.

LJ- 6'7 freak athletic manchild with a great blend of scoring, passing, and rebounding for a PF. And like LJ is a man amongst boys wreaking havoc on a crazy talented team full of future NBA guys. And will be the #1 pick in draft and National Player of Year. In terms of college career and hype, LJ and Zion are damn similar on top of the physical similarities. Plus like LJ and Barkley, will be crazy marketable. Zion's vertical hops, 360s, etc. is like LJ. But with 30 pounds on top of it. Once again, evolution!

Mason- This is the sleeper comparison. Like Barkley, Mason was also an elite passing and rebounding PF. BUT Mason's great defense and defensive versatility made him very unique. Mase could defend all three frontcourt positions very well. At 280, Zion could take that to a bigger better level in the league possibly.

IF Zion combines ALL these elements, then he can be a superstar on the level of AD and Giannis. Because those guys at 6'11 and taller combine MANY OF THE ELEMENTS i was talking about. But are much taller, much leaner, and freak athletic like Zion is. The EDGE Zion would have is being 280 pounds. So he could brawl better than those guys. Yet still have speed and hops on par with them. IF he can't reach those guys level, but more of Blake Griffin level (somewhere between an All Star and Superstar), that's a great place to be at too. So before you say he's going to be a superstar FLAT OUT, u gotta consider the competition in the league!

[DoctorP]

bookmarked

[StrongLurk]

He's either going to be a all-star or a bust.

I'm leaning closer to all-star.

I think he actually has great DEFENSIVE potential in the NBA which no one talks about. Based on what he has done in college this year, I dont know why Zion COULDN'T become an elite defensive player before becoming an elite offensive player.

[PJR]

Yeah I

[Draz]

I guess this is where we all put our money on him and get quoted whether were right or wrong 5-20 years from now.

I want to say he'll be top 10 maybe top 5. There's no stopping him

[Patrick Chewing]

His stats these last two games have been incredible.



Please, God. Let him go to the Knicks. Save us!!!


:bowdown:

[BarberSchool]

So the guy he resembles the most in terms of body and size is Rodney Rogers. Everyone talking about Charles Barkley and Shawn Kemp.


http://assets.espn.com/photo/2008/1205/nba_g_rrogers1_400.jpg


https://66.media.tumblr.com/d86db50878c0b17306a1acf3fa8b9bc0/tumblr_nn4psa00g31sdydefo1_r1_400.gifyo I been said the exact same thing to thousands this year. And when the older heads who really knew; when they squirmed and scrunched up their faces I knew it was accurate as fu@k.

But Rodney had that deep ball tho.

[Smook A.]

Another monster game for Zion. This guy is unreal

[keep-itreal]

he's just a fatter version of Julius Randle

[plowking]

he's just a fatter version of Julius Randle

Who is good at defense, a great ball handler, a better passer, more athletic, better finisher, stronger, and has a far better motor.

[FireDavidKahn]

he's just a fatter version of Julius Randle
fatter:roll:

[3ball]

Can he naturally pull-up and make a jumpshot?

No.

And his handle will never navigate pnr's as a primary ball-handler would

He's a Blake Griffin with a weaker j
.

[Wally450]

Can he naturally pull-up and make a jumpshot?

No.

And his handle will never navigate pnr's as a primary ball-handler would

He's a Blake Griffin with a weaker j
.

Do you watch college basketball today? Or do you treat it like the NBA and talk about it but don't watch it.

[PeroAntic]

a great ball handler
:roll:

his handle is nothing special

[Bronbron23]

Can he naturally pull-up and make a jumpshot?

No.

And his handle will never navigate pnr's as a primary ball-handler would

He's a Blake Griffin with a weaker j
.
I think the mistake you and alot of people are making is that your only focusing on his offensive skills set. It's very limited but scoring isn't necessarily his best attribute. Zions motor and stamina is unlike anything I've ever seen at his size. Mj had a similar motor and stamina but he didnt have that kind of strength and physicality. Zion can influence a game just by his hustle, physicality and attitude. At very least he could be a more athletic Draymond which is pretty good. Draymond can have as much influence on the outcome of a game as anyone can even though the stats won't show it.

[sammichoffate]

Larry Johnson's physical build is almost identical to Zion's w/o the freak vertical jump.

[tamaraw08]

The biggest question for him right now is if can be a decent defender vs quicker shooters when he is forced to switch in the perimeter.:confusedshrug:

If yes, then he will be very good but if not, it's going to be a huge problem.

[FireDavidKahn]

Larry Johnson's physical build is almost identical to Zion's w/o the freak vertical jump.
Or the sheer mass and strength:confusedshrug:

[sammichoffate]

Or the sheer mass and strength:confusedshrug:https://i.postimg.cc/qRJYRSTK/AP-Hartford-Duke-Basketball.jpg
https://i.postimg.cc/vmLkGMpM/xxx-larry-johnson-johnson-sd6298.jpg
I would say they're p identical, what people are afraid of is Zion isn't even 20 yet so he could grow even more which is crazy.

[sammichoffate]

The biggest question for him right now is if can be a decent defender vs quicker shooters when he is forced to switch in the perimeter.:confusedshrug:

If yes, then he will be very good but if not, it's going to be a huge problem.He has the physical tools and desire for it, he regularly makes plays to dive for loose balls so he clearly puts effort in.

[sundizz]

He way bigger than Larry Johnson. He

[andgar923]

Can he naturally pull-up and make a jumpshot?

No.

And his handle will never navigate pnr's as a primary ball-handler would

He's a Blake Griffin with a weaker j
.
You're off.

He's pull up is good enough for the NBA, good for an 18 year old. His jumper doesn't have to be wet to play in today's NBA, even then it'll do the job.

His ball handling is as good as many 2 guards and some 1s, def great for a player his size and position with athletic abilities. He's always in control breaking down defenders and easily beating double teams (which he gets plenty of).

I'll even go as far as stating he has some of the best handles I've ever seen for someone his size.

Your comparison to Blake couldn't be more wrong.

Blake was soft, had no off the ball game, was uncoordinated with his footwork at times, had a low IQ.

Zion is a beast that is in no way soft, is good-great moving without the ball, has amazing coordination and footwork for someone his size, has a good IQ not forcing shots, finding open teammates, reading and recognizing doubles and traps, moving the ball quickly and adjusting to the defence.

And that's only on the offensive end.

His effort and energy on defense is phenomenal. I don't remember seeing a player his size putting in as much effort and energy on defense. His main issue is that he's too energetic at times, but f*ck that. I'd rather have him be too enthusiastic and not being pushed to play defense by his teammates.

[sundizz]

You're off.

He's pull up is good enough for the NBA, good for an 18 year old. His jumper doesn't have to be wet to play in today's NBA, even then it'll do the job.

His ball handling is as good as many 2 guards and some 1s, def great for a player his size and position with athletic abilities. He's always in control breaking down defenders and easily beating double teams (which he gets plenty of).

I'll even go as far as stating he has some of the best handles I've ever seen for someone his size.

Your comparison to Blake couldn't be more wrong.

Blake was soft, had no off the ball game, was uncoordinated with his footwork at times, had a low IQ.

Zion is a beast that is in no way soft, is good-great moving without the ball, has amazing coordination and footwork for someone his size, has a good IQ not forcing shots, finding open teammates, reading and recognizing doubles and traps, moving the ball quickly and adjusting to the defence.

And that's only on the offensive end.

His effort and energy on defense is phenomenal. I don't remember seeing a player his size putting in as much effort and energy on defense. His main issue is that he's too energetic at times, but f*ck that. I'd rather have him be too enthusiastic and not being pushed to play defense by his teammates.

People really forget how good Blake was when he came in the league. Sometin like 23, 12, and 4 as a rookie. His injuries and lack of deep playoff runs obviously makes people forget. Who knows what will happen to Zion.

[FireDavidKahn]

https://i.postimg.cc/qRJYRSTK/AP-Hartford-Duke-Basketball.jpg
https://i.postimg.cc/vmLkGMpM/xxx-larry-johnson-johnson-sd6298.jpg
I would say they're p identical, what people are afraid of is Zion isn't even 20 yet so he could grow even more which is crazy.
285 vs. 240.

[FireDavidKahn]

https://youtu.be/EU8YSTfmKGk?t=125

:eek: :eek:

[AlternativeAcc.]

The only thing that will hold back Zion at the next level are injuries. I predict he will have at least 2 major ligament tears in his career.


When healthy though he will feast like a starving wolf. Forget the freak athleticism, the kid knows how to play the game and has high IQ and a high competitive motor.


And remember, anything 3ball says is always wrong so him saying Zion will bust means he actually does have zero bust potential. :applause:


But injuries definitely will hamper his career.

[90sgoat]

285 vs. 240.

What are you, some kind of farmer talking about a prize cow?

For someone who is so PC, you sure care a lot about the girth of a black man.

[90sgoat]

Zion is for sure going to be exciting, he is a great dunker for once. Much more aesthetic than Blake Griffin.

His game is 90% garbage points around the rim and I highly doubt he is going to bully Jonas Valenciunas or Steven Adams.

I have nothing against the guy, but this is shaping up to be the next Lebron James. I see people already saying his is top 20 all time floor and GOAT potential.

No effing way.

As of now, Zion projects to be a crowdpleaser and will probably make an all star due to sheer athleticism. He is way, way too raw and limited to be anywhere near an all time great projection.

People are not watching. He is playing around the rim bully ball at 6'6''! He is NOT going to bully 7 foot NBA centers, regardless of his girth.

[FireDavidKahn]

What are you, some kind of farmer talking about a prize cow?

For someone who is so PC, you sure care a lot about the girth of a black man.
What?

When people say things like this


Larry Johnson's physical build is almost identical to Zion's w/o the freak vertical jump.

It is patently false due to the absolute gigantic weight advantage for Zion.

It's like saying that Andrew Wiggins and Kobe Bryant have the same physical build.

[AngelEyes]

What?

When people say things like this



It is patently false due to the absolute gigantic weight advantage for Zion.

It's like saying that Andrew Wiggins and Kobe Bryant have the same physical build.

https://www.tradingcarddb.com/Images/Cards/Basketball/2610/2610-54Bk.jpg

https://www.tradingcarddb.com/Images/Cards/Basketball/2615/2615-659912RepBk.jpg

On both of these basketball cards Larry Johnson is listed at 6'7" 263 lbs. Granted this is when he played on the Knicks but he looked very similar physically as a Knick as he did when he was a Hornet. 240 lbs was probably his UNLV weight. When he was drafted in 1991 he was he listed at 250 lbs. In fact most places list him at 250 lbs, I'm not sure where the 240 lb weight comes from. His height barefoot was 6'5" 1/2 which is probably similar to what Zion is barefoot.

[ralph_i_el]

Zion is for sure going to be exciting, he is a great dunker for once. Much more aesthetic than Blake Griffin.

His game is 90% garbage points around the rim and I highly doubt he is going to bully Jonas Valenciunas or Steven Adams.

I have nothing against the guy, but this is shaping up to be the next Lebron James. I see people already saying his is top 20 all time floor and GOAT potential.

No effing way.

As of now, Zion projects to be a crowdpleaser and will probably make an all star due to sheer athleticism. He is way, way too raw and limited to be anywhere near an all time great projection.

People are not watching. He is playing around the rim bully ball at 6'6''! He is NOT going to bully 7 foot NBA centers, regardless of his girth.


Adams is going to guard Zion 1-on-1 on the perimeter?

[PeroAntic]

Adams is going to guard Zion 1-on-1 on the perimeter?
And what good is Zion on the perimeter?

[90sgoat]

And what good is Zion on the perimeter?

9 out 10 field goals I've seen from Zion is in the post.

[NBASTATMAN]

Zion reminds me most of Barkley.. Great athlete with good skill around the basket.. He will probably have a decent set shot at one point .. One advantage I believe he has over guys like barkley, lebron, and Griffin is his first step is really fast.. Much faster than any of the guys I just mentioned..

[90sgoat]

Zion reminds me most of Barkley.. Great athlete with good skill around the basket.. He will probably have a decent set shot at one point .. One advantage I believe he has over guys like barkley, lebron, and Griffin is his first step is really fast.. Much faster than any of the guys I just mentioned..

Why does Zion only average 9 rebounds?
If he is such a force of nature?

Pr. 40 minutes in college:

Zion: 12.3 rpg

compared to

Blake Griffin: 17.3 rpg
Sir Charles: 13.3 rpg
Kevin Love. 14.4 rpg
Larry Johnson: 13.7 rpg
Draymond Green: 12.8 prg

This guy does not project to be an elite rebounder at all.

I'm guessing he tops out at something like 8.

[NBASTATMAN]

Why does Zion only average 9 rebounds?
If he is such a force of nature?

Pr. 40 minutes in college:

Zion: 12.3 rpg

compared to

Blake Griffin: 17.3 rpg
Sir Charles: 13.3 rpg
Kevin Love. 14.4 rpg
Larry Johnson: 13.7 rpg
Draymond Green: 12.8 prg

This guy does not project to be an elite rebounder at all.

I'm guessing he tops out at something like 8.

Maybe because he is playing on a very good team.. Which one of those guys played on a stacked team in college..? Larry Johnson .. That is it I think

[Vino24]

Zion is already a better dunker and leaper than Jordan

[FireDavidKahn]

Maybe because he is playing on a very good team.. Which one of those guys played on a stacked team in college..? Larry Johnson .. That is it I think
No kidding. Duke had the second most rebounds in the entire NCAA with Zion being the best rebounder.

He isn't going to average 17 like blake when he has other really capable players of rebounding.

[Axe]

Zion is already a better dunker and leaper than Jordan
:biggums:

[ZionDunks]

So disappointed in him. Man he is a bum

[Cold soul]

What a bust Zion has been all that hype coming out of Duke only to eat himself out of the league fat lazy and out of shape big time bust.

[WhiteKyrie]

Zion is already a better dunker and leaper than Jordan

The cringe knows no bounds

[90sgoat]

What are you, some kind of farmer talking about a prize cow?

For someone who is so PC, you sure care a lot about the girth of a black man.

I feel like this didn't get enough traction considering the NBA was basically *********ing to the weight of a black man.

[Axe]

I feel like this didn't get enough traction considering the NBA was basically *********ing to the weight of a black man.
Your trajectory of him bt didn't go so well either.

[90sgoat]

Your trajectory of him bt didn't go so well either.


This guy does not project to be an elite rebounder at all.

I'm guessing he tops out at something like 8.

I was generous?

6.3 and 7.2 rebounds as a 280lb athletic freak is WEAK.

Called it.

Zion basically in the NBA has been a fat small forward with no shot.

[Axe]

I was generous?

6.3 and 7.2 rebounds as a 280lb athletic freak is WEAK.

Called it.

Zion basically in the NBA has been a fat small forward with no shot.
I was referring to one of your past posts here but i think i got it wrong. So never mind. And yeah, those numbers are underwhelming for a power forward.

Atm there's very little hope he'd make it into the playoffs within the next few years unless a competitive team gets him. Who will risk tho if he's always sidelined like this.

If his status does not improve at all, then he could be a FA soon.