Scott,
Please stop referring to Zion's surgery as a "repair." A repair replaces damaged meniscus, has a much longer recovery time, and holds the possibility of truly repairing the damage. Only some meniscus tears can be repaired. He had a "debridement" where the torn meniscus is trimmed away and what is left is smoothed out. That means he will always have somewhat less cushioning in the damaged area. With a little luck he will have a fine career, but only time will tell.
1
He is amazing. And a joy to watch. Love how the game constantly progresses, thanks to amazing players who seek to share and celebrate the best play possible. Wishing him, the Pelicans, and all NBA players amazing play, success, and happiness.
12
Zion never hit four three pointers in any game at Duke. And I'm guessing his three point shooting in the gym isn't the explanation -- after all, his shooting form is bad (over the shoulder, hence easier to block), and he will surely be trained to alter his release point. Moreover, jump shots were surely out of the picture for much of his rehab time.
So how to explain the four threes? I thought it was all chemistry and emotion. Zion seeks to be the best ever. For now the only way to make his mark is with lights out shooting, not his greatest strength. But with a hysterical crowd behind him, five pounds of tape on his knee, and ten more in his belly, he seemed to let the crowd carry him to a level that only a small number of the greatest ones ever reach.
If this keeps up, Zion's future is more than bright. The Pelicans will continue to pace him. And the doctors will be on top of it. Russell Westbrook made it back all the way. Derrick Rose didn't. And waiting in the wings is Kevin Durant.
This isn't Zion's first knee injury. Let's hope it's the last.
6
Watched this game and was absolutely amazed at the effortless talent he has. The question is how long can his body hold up while supporting his almost 300 pounds with all that running, jumping and twisting. He looks indestructible...kind of like a tank, but I'm guessing his joints might not think so in the long term.
4
@Steve Dumford I assure you that Zion's talent is anything but effortless. Doing what he does requires
constant practice.
7
Zion is a kid- barely out of adolescence. The problem with talent, esp extreme talent, is the mental/emotional side of who can bring it. i hope the Pels support and nurture him the right way so that his talents and well being are maximized. He does need to lose weight though- a leaner, lighter body is much better for the knees
5
@nlitinme All indications are that Zion is mature beyond his years. He's more likely to show the Pelicans the way than vice versa.
2
I love "Pops" quotes.
And good for him (Zion).
It's time for the next generation of NBA players to take the stage. (Let's hope our own RJ is one of them.)
2
He reminds me of the young Lawrence Taylor, a natural and incredible athlete. New Orleans is a great party town with lots of temptations so hopefully the kid keeps his head on his shoulders and has a LeBron-level career.
1
Not interested in watching a physical specimen like Zion take uncontested three pointers. I can make those in my driveway!
I understand the math behind threes, but it makes basketball really dull.
1
@GCT The three prolonged the careers of many white shooters. The NBA is about 3/4 black. Top 3 point shooters, until recently, have been almost half white.
1
I seriously doubt you can make actual unposted threes from your driveway, at a NBA regulation distance, with any sort of consistency. Let alone under pressure. Don’t pretend to be a pro.
2
“Williamson, whose body has the general dimensions of a vending machine, is a science experiment in high-tops” EXCELLENT!!
5
Being a huge Pelicans fan, I watched the game last night and Zion really took over the game in the 4th qtr. The keys to his success over the next several years are (1) lose 20 lbs and stay healthy, and (2) integrate with his teammates on both ends of the court so the rest of the team doesn't just stand around and watch Zion play which happened with Jordan in Chicago and other great players league wide. He reminds me of a young Charles Barkley, and he and Brandon Ingram could become the best starting forward combination in the association by next season if they both stay healthy and complement each other. But 1 thing is obvious - the sky is the limit for the Pels.
3
I attended Duke (also University of Florida) and have been extremely excite to witness Zion’s NBA debut. The fourth quarter stretch was amazing. How many other players have accomplished such a run in their very first NBA game? That would be interesting to find out,
1
Watching the 4th quarter last night, what struck me was not monster dunks, but finesse. The kid has a good shot, hitting 4/4 3-pointers. He was graceful and smart around the basket, with good hands.
With these features on display from a rusty player, it is clear that he can be a star caliber player without the fireworks. A dunk and a layup are both worth 2 points. Understood that the NBA marketing team and the press want more, but Mr. Williamson shouldn't.
4
A dunk is only worth two points. But the ability to effortlessly penetrate the defense is priceless.
4