Alright, what I’m about to do is say something that is controversial. It is common sense, however. Basketball season is basically around the corner. Preseason has started and all bets are on Zion Williamson for “Rookie of the Year”.
I don’t see this happening.
Zion Williamson, while not looking like a basketball player, is explosive and skillfully composed to be THE best player in the league almost immediately. He can jump off of each leg, AND both legs together. He can handle the ball, he can shoot it, he can dunk, and he plays defense. Do I need to remind anyone about that block where Zion was in the paint when the shooter started his shot. We are talking about unprecedented physical beast who has the potential to make a major impact on the game.
What I have seen this year is familiar. I’ve seen it with Greg Oden. Greg Oden was also a beast of a basketball player who had unprecedented power. He was taller, with a basketball build, and weighed less than what Zion currently does. His knees betrayed him. It took him about 6 years to play a season worth of games and he never became relevant in the NBA.
So far this year, Zion has been great, however, ever since he burst out of his Paul George shoes because of his explosiveness, he has been injury riddled. Zion has missed part of the off season, preseason, and with his knee issue, he will miss the start of regular season in his rookie year. I’m seeing a person, who is physically talented, but a little more physically demanding on his own body that it can handle.
I think Zion might need some intervention. I’m sure the Pelicans’ owner have heard of promising individuals who couldn’t get themselves to the greatness they looked to be capable of because of injury. Off the top of my head, I can name Greg Oden, Anthony Hardaway, Grant Hill, Derek Rose, Paul George (noticing a pattern). Not all of the named are the physically unmatched with ability, but each of these players sustained (use present tense for Derek and Paul) injury after injury which derailed a path to championship contender.
The only person I’ve ever seen be able to get through the amazing physical abilities Zion possesses is a man named Vince Carter. Not only has this man been great in short spurts, but he is starting off his record setting 21st season in the NBA. Vince Carter is the 42 year old who can still dunk and scored 17 points in 23 minutes during the preseason. What may be lucky for Zion is this guy is still in the league. There is a need for Vince to be Zion’s mentor when it comes to being able to train his body to be able to withstand the immense strain being put on it by being such an athlete.
As far as “Rookie of the Year”, I don’t’ see his body holding up. We may be disappointed, which is okay. If he can get the right trainers and mentors around him, he can be here for a long time. I hope I’m wrong about the rookie of the year status, but my eyes are telling me it won’t happen.
