Tiger Woods Member since Feb 15th 2004 18387 posts
Sun Feb-10-19 01:34 AM
"you can tell Zion Williamson loves basketball" Sun Feb-10-19 01:35 AM by Tiger Woods
Coming off the heels of how he bullied Virginia today...
I'm actually confused by this kid because I know he's raw and relying on his athleticism, but I've also never seen a dude that big with a game like that. Guy looks like Chandler Jones but he balls like a motivated Rasheed Wallace. I don't even know what I'm looking at.
The reason he has legitimate hall of fame potential ALREADY is because you can tell he just loves basketball. Some piss-ant blog dorks will manufacture some petty knocks on him before the draft, it always happens, as unfounded as these criticisms often are. But one thing you will not read come June is that the kid is passive about the sport. With his size, he doesn't need to shoot like he does or be as committed around the rim. You can't willingly compete that hard at that size if you don't love what you're doing. Wait until he gets into a pro system that helps nurture his skills and oversees his nutrition. He's going to buy in, harness that violence some, and fuck the league up for like 15 years.
He's the most obvious prospect since Lebron. This is Len Bias "sure thing" territory.
And this is coming from a dyed in the wool Terps fan.
Frank Longo Member since Nov 18th 2003 86672 posts
Sun Feb-10-19 01:45 AM
1. "Craziest part is this was probably his worst game of the season." In response to Reply # 0
But as you noted, he just never quits. There've been ACC games where we're up twenty five in the second half, and he fucking DIVES across the floor for loose balls. Why does he do this when his body is worth millions and the game is in hand? Because he just loves to fucking win.
He and Barrett both. And you can tell they LOVE playing with each other too. It's just so fun to see, this team. The team's shooting is streaky, where they'll miss everything 2-3 games straight and then fire off a beauty like this game or the game at Notre Dame (they've weirdly shot *much* better on the road for reasons unknown), but Cam Reddish looks like he's really coming into his own on the offensive side too.
But yeah. Zion, man. Just a privilege to watch him play in my alma mater's uniform. This sort of talent won't play college ball in a couple years' time.
Frank Longo Member since Nov 18th 2003 86672 posts
Sun Feb-10-19 01:51 AM
3. "He's shot over 40% from 3 in conference play. " In response to Reply # 2
Assist rate has also gone notably up in conference play. As the defenses have gotten tougher during the season, he's been notably adjusting.
Not to say the dude should be jacking up midrange 2s, but I went into this season thinking all he could do is play above-the-rim bully ball, but he's got *way* more skill in his game than that.
4. "He reminds me of a Durham legend" In response to Reply # 0
That didn't play for Duke. His game reminds of young Rodney Rogers. His handle is better but the way he is built along with his explosiveness just reminds me of him and he's left handed.
9. "Rodney Rogers was smooth as hell on the court for a guy his size. He eve..." In response to Reply # 4
bullied with style.
It would be nice to see Zion's game come along that way.
This could definitely go the wrong way, a la Oliver Miller, if he eats too many cheeseburgers and doesn't go to the most stable place where his talent and game can be groomed for long-term success.
DeepAztheRoot Member since Dec 19th 2003 13992 posts
Sun Feb-10-19 09:11 PM
8. "I'd like to see him next to Ayton in Phoenix" In response to Reply # 0
Lost in all the talk of the terrible PG situation in the desert there is the fact that they don't really have anyone at PF either. Bender isn't the answer and the only hope is probably trying to pry Gordon from Orlando.
Even with Robert Sarver being a meddlesome owner, I'd think there would be interest in playing with Booker, Bridges, Williamson, and Ayton from a competent PG on the FA market or by trade.
TJ and Jackson are probably available along with Milwaukee's pick
legsdiamond Member since May 05th 2011 79616 posts
Mon Feb-11-19 10:59 AM
10. "I hate Duke but that dude cold as hell" In response to Reply # 0
Dude is huge but agile as hell...
Does he have a weakness?
Seems like these kids are scared of him.
**************** TBH the fact that you're even a mod here fits squarely within Jag's narrative of OK-sanctioned aggression, bullying, and toxicity. *shrug*
17. "That's going to get tested majorly in the pros" In response to Reply # 11
across the 82 game length of the regular season, plus he might go to a deplorable situation depending on who drafts him, so I would imagine his first year will have it's challenges on a mental level.
"Sean sparks like John Starks, nah, Sean ball like John Wall" - Rest In Power Forever Sean Price.
I mean yea it will be a grind and his squad will probably suck, but he has more dog in him now than dorks like Nerlens Noel and Jahlil Okafor ever showed
There’s big prospects in the league now who have never shown a willingness to compete as hard as Zion does right now (like Lonzo Ball for example)
Frank Longo Member since Nov 18th 2003 86672 posts
Thu Feb-14-19 01:05 PM
19. "To be fair, that's *every* prospect. Including guys with way lower motor..." In response to Reply # 17
Wouldn't you rather have the guy putting his heart into it on every play in college than the guy who coasts through games? Which guy would you bet on sustaining better over the course of a rigorous NBA season?
20. "I am a Knicks fan, that should already tell you" In response to Reply # 19
who I want in the draft, but at the same time, I'm going to temper my expectations for this dude because the learning curve is going to be somewhat steep depending on who he plays with since where ever he ends up may or may not be a toxic trash heap, my Knicks included.
"Sean sparks like John Starks, nah, Sean ball like John Wall" - Rest In Power Forever Sean Price.