Zion will slow down in playoffs when defenders learn to give him a little distance

[3ba11]

Why in the world are people guarding him like he's Kobe with expert jumpshooting skill?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YQbPHmaEJx8&t=02m03s


Absurd

One must assume teams will figure him out in the playoffs like they did other spotty-shooting rim-attackers like Lebron, Giannis and others.. Throw Jordan in there too if you want - he was attacking the rim too much when he was losing to the Pistons and was more of a polished jumpshooter when he was beating them

Notice the overt double-teams as if his jumper is hot instead of the defense providing the extra bodies/help on his drives - teams aren't even trying to provide that layered defensive approach that Zion will presumably face in the playoffs.

Horrific defense by Phoenix on him specifically and most teams are similar.. We'll see how Zion does in the playoffs when he's forced to take more than 17 shots per game (where his efficiency is ordinary) and probably defer to Ingram as team scoring leader.

[ShawkFactory]

Zion has that ability to completely wear people down throughout a game. What is he, the 2nd heaviest player in the league? Moving like that?

I expect that you’re right in that Ingram and McCollum will get as many if not more looks in half-court, potentially ISO situations.

But Zions value will be the highest by far. Phoenix is set up nicely for a run here. Idk about this season but barring injuries to Zion I’d be shocked if they didn’t have a title in the next 3 years.

[3ba11]

Zion has that ability to completely wear people down throughout a game. What is he, the 2nd heaviest player in the league? Moving like that?

I expect that you’re right in that Ingram and McCollum will get as many if not more looks in half-court, potentially ISO situations.

But Zions value will be the highest by far. Phoenix is set up nicely for a run here. Idk about this season but barring injuries to Zion I’d be shocked if they didn’t have a title in the next 3 years.

that's true. his ability to help the pelicans win the attrition battle lowers his team's defensive requirements (facing worn-out opponents and more favorable pace/opponent not dictating pace)

The thing about it is that he has a lot of help

The Pelicans were a solid playoff team last year despite Ingram and McCullum barely playing the regular season - so he won't have to defeat maximum defensive attention in these playoffs (carry the scoring load or carry low-producing sidekicks over top 5 SRS teams), which almost no young rim attacker has ever done

Jordan did it once in 89' Playoffs, aka "the shot" and that was a 5-game series - he fell short against the Pistons (but succeeded many times later in his career), while Lebron, Giannis and others also failed to carry low-producing teammates over top teams for their entire career.

TLDR: Zion might do okay in these playoffs because he won't face maximum defensive attention due to developed supporting cast

[tontoz]

Right, giving him space has worked so well against Giannis.

[90sgoat]

It's interesting that Zion is so dominant, because like with Charles, how are you going to guard someone that strong and fast. He's literally just bumping them off, it's pure theoretical physics.

You'd want a big center to check him at the rim, but those are not under the rim now.

If Zion gets really successful, say if he wins the finals this year, we might see teams arguing for the def 3 seconds to come back (hopefully).

[3ba11]

It's interesting that Zion is so dominant, because like with Charles

Young Charles lost in the playoffs because he would only take 15 shots per game against the 1990 Bulls, so a massive part of his offense was FT's (11 per game), which he only made 60% of

So Zion and Charles have their limitations - they have to pick their spots - if they're missing their FT's or don't get fouled a lot and have to take a lot of shots, their efficiency becomes quite normal and their teams aren't nearly as good as the regular season indicates.

If Zion gets really successful, say if he wins the finals this year, we might see teams arguing for the def 3 seconds to come back (hopefully).

Zero title equity for the baby Pelicans

Only the grown folks have a chance (Warriors, Memphis, LA, Denver)... Curry is getting a nice break right now, so he'll be better than he otherwise would've been

[Full Court]

Why in the world are people guarding him like he's Kobe with expert jumpshooting skill?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YQbPHmaEJx8&t=02m03s


Absurd

One must assume teams will figure him out in the playoffs like they did other spotty-shooting rim-attackers like Lebron, Giannis and others.. Throw Jordan in there too if you want - he was attacking the rim too much when he was losing to the Pistons and was more of a polished jumpshooter when he was beating them

Notice the overt double-teams as if his jumper is hot instead of the defense providing the extra bodies/help on his drives - teams aren't even trying to provide that layered defensive approach that Zion will presumably face in the playoffs.

Horrific defense by Phoenix on him specifically and most teams are similar.. We'll see how Zion does in the playoffs when he's forced to take more than 17 shots per game (where his efficiency is ordinary) and probably defer to Ingram as team scoring leader.

You may be right. It looks pretty certain that the Pelicans will make the playoffs this year, so as long as he stays uninjured it will be interesting to see how Zion plays in the post-season against ramped up defense. It will tell us a lot.

[RRR3]

Zion terrifying OP is further proof he’s the next LeBron


He’s only 22 too, get ready for another decade+ of looking stupid, snivelly.

[3ba11]

Zion terrifying OP is further proof he’s the next LeBron


He’s only 22 too, get ready for another decade+ of looking stupid, snivelly.

1997 Larry Johnson

a short prime for that body-type

[Real Men Wear Green]

Stopping Williamson requires a forward or center with strength enough not to get pushed around and an athletic shot blocker to help that guy out. Best Western team for that challenge is Memphis.

[3ba11]

Stopping Williamson requires a guard or center with strength enough not to get pushed around and an athletic shot blocker to help that guy out. Best Western team for that challenge is Memphis.

or maybe defenders can just back off him a few feet (keep the distance like a boxer) and stay in front of him?

this would make the ball flow more Ingram's way, who I expect to lead the Pelicans in playoff scoring

[Real Men Wear Green]

or maybe defenders can just back off him a few feet (keep the distance like a boxer) and stay in front of him?

this would make the ball flow more Ingram's way, who I expect to lead the Pelicans in playoff scoring

He's not Ben simmons. He can hit shots well enough to make them defend him honestly especially inside of the three point line. He doesn't have to be a three point threat to score effectively just stay in his range.

[Phoenix]

Zion is an elite playfinisher and post player, allowing other guys like Ingham and CJ to flourish. Typically these attributes are commended by the OP. Interestingly enough, the OP criticizes Lebron for holding back Ingram but he's evolved into an all-star level next to Zion. OP changes viewpoints like he does his daily prescriptions.

[3ba11]

He's not Ben simmons. He can hit shots well enough to make them defend him honestly especially inside of the three point line. He doesn't have to be a three point threat to score effectively just stay in his range.

The video shows that defenders are treating him like he's Kobe or DeRozan

He cannot rely on his jumper for a big game and he shoots horrifically outside of 3 feet.. Accordingly, teams are playing him as if it's regular season and no one is paying attention to scouting reports... Oh wait... That's exactly what is happening

Defenders will play a smart distance in the playoffs and layered defense, so he'll get locked up like previous rim attackers that needed to figure it out

He's also a weak FT shooter and shoots an ordinary efficiency when he takes 18+ shots, so I wouldn't expect the Pelicans to be as good in playoffs as their regular season record indicates

[RRR3]

1997 Larry Johnson

a short prime for that body-type

He’s already far better than Johnson ever was. You’re an absolute moron