Zion Williamson to miss “weeks” to start the season

[huskyrob1]

I think Zion could be the next Larry Johnson, but 4 years younger when he gets to the NBA. That would be a pretty awesome career and Zion would be a first ballot hall of famer. But he MUST lose 30-40 pounds starting now, or he will be a 50 games per season player for a few years until his body completely breaks down and he will be lucky to physically be able to even come off the bench by his late 20's.

He has to lose the weight or he'll be remembered as basketballs version of Gary Beban.

 

[FartMan69]

He hasn’t shot the 3 extremely well, which is weighing down his eFG%. He’s been an absolute dog at getting to the basket. He’s been fully engaged defensively. He’s arguably been our best pg. Again, you spoke in hyperbole and misrepresented his actual performance. No one saying he’s been perfect and without flaws. He definitely needs to work on getting separation, his turnovers, and hitting the 3 consistently. But to chalk up his performance as “bad” and to call him a “chucker” is a misrepresentation. It’s stat watching. You can’t have actually been watching

He's a bad chucker

 

[UconnU]

Update: Tear requiring surgery. Expected to miss up to 8 weeks. Same knee he has had problems with since high school. Not good!

Pelicans’ Zion Williamson out 6-8 weeks after knee surgery

Zion Williamson will miss six to eight weeks following surgery on a torn right lateral meniscus, the Pelicans announced Monday. The No. 1 pick in this year’s draft was already expected to mis…

nypost.com

 

[8893]

Update: Tear requiring surgery. Expected to miss up to 8 weeks. Same knee he has had problems with since high school. Not good!

Pelicans’ Zion Williamson out 6-8 weeks after knee surgery

Zion Williamson will miss six to eight weeks following surgery on a torn right lateral meniscus, the Pelicans announced Monday. The No. 1 pick in this year’s draft was already expected to mis…

nypost.com

Damn, that sucks.

 

[uconnfan68]

10 years from now the Knicks will be thrilled they "settled" for RJ. This has always been a concern with Zion. I dont know what weight hes going to lose because a lot of his weight is on his rear end and thighs. Hes not fat. Dude is pretty solid. Its not like Barkely who coming out of college was like 290lbs at 6`5 as that was a lot of fat.

How did that Barkley guy do?

 

[TheChamps990411]

How did that Barkley guy do?

Barkley got his weight down and went on to have an all time great career. If he had stayed at 290 that doesn't t happen. Zion is just a big dude and I dont think he has that option. He should try playing football because his body isn't built for basketball.

 

[TheChamps990411]

His stats would calc out to a below average offensive rating. He’s taking a lot of shots. I have no vendetta against the kid, but he just hasn’t been that good yet, not that he won’t be. No need to get this defensive.

Its not about getting defensive its just that you made a terrible point. I honestly couldn't care less what a guy does in his first 4 pre season games of his career. You made it seem like you were concerned about him "chucking" and I simply said chill.
Btw in his first game of the season 9/13 21 points and played some good defense. Dudes a teenager in his first season so hes going to have his ups and downs but the talent is there and we cant even begin to imagine what he is or isn't based on 4 pre season and 1 regular season game. I prefer to be positive and reserve judgement one way or the other.

 

[UConnStats]

Its not about getting defensive its just that you made a terrible point. I honestly couldn't care less what a guy does in his first 4 pre season games of his career. You made it seem like you were concerned about him "chucking" and I simply said chill.
Btw in his first game of the season 9/13 21 points and played some good defense. Dudes a teenager in his first season so hes going to have his ups and downs but the talent is there and we cant even begin to imagine what he is or isn't based on 4 pre season and 1 regular season game. I prefer to be positive and reserve judgement one way or the other.

Last comment here because we’re beating a dead horse. His shooting efficiency was never his strong point, not even in college, where he had a lower TS and eFG on a top 3 team than Jalen Adams did at UConn last year. It’s a well documented weakness for Barrett and will probably be an issue in his early career. I noted he was very young and talented, and I never said that I was low on him long term (I’m not). We’ll see how he progresses this year, but I’m tempering my expectations in year 1.

 

[Psolo12]

After watching the beginning of this season I was just reminded of how much more I like college basketball compared to the NBA.

 

[UconnU]

After watching the beginning of this season I was just reminded of how much more I like college basketball compared to the NBA.

Regular season NBA is such a bad product imo. Significantly worse than the regular season product the other 3 major leagues put out. They should mix it up to get it more competitive somehow. Maybe pre-season and mid-season single game elimination tournaments with cash incentives to the winners?

 

[BigErnMcCracken]

After watching the beginning of this season I was just reminded of how much more I like college basketball compared to the NBA.

To each his own I suppose. Out of curiosity, what is it you find more enjoyable about the college game? Beyond the pageantry of college sports generally and my emotional attachment to UConn through my family, there is - to me - absolutely zero about the on-court product that makes college basketball better than the NBA.

 

[husky429]

To each his own I suppose. Out of curiosity, what is it you find more enjoyable about the college game? Beyond the pageantry of college sports generally and my emotional attachment to UConn through my family, there is - to me - absolutely zero about the on-court product that makes college basketball better than the NBA.

I watch both A LOT. Pretty much whenever I am not at work during the seasons.

College basketball has the advantage of watching players improve, seeing true amateurs at work for the lower levels. I like to watch different kinds of defenses and offenses that are unique to college and you never see in the NBA.

The NBA is filled with the best players on the planet. It is clearly the better league. Watching a physical freak like Giannis or someone that looks like Steph dominate the league is awe inspiring. I hate the myths that the NBA is lazy or doesn't play defense. The games last night were filled with great D and hustle plays--amazing stuff.

 

[Horatio]

I thought they checked for prior injuries during the pre draft process. If I’m the owner I’d try to keep him out for as long as possible. Get his conditioning right.

 

[UconnU]

I thought they checked for prior injuries during the pre draft process. If I’m the owner I’d try to keep him out for as long as possible. Get his conditioning right.

If I’m the owner I am sidelining him for the whole year to rehab the knee and get his conditioning right. Unless they are in contention late in the year which seems unlikely.

 

[Huskyforlife]

I thought they checked for prior injuries during the pre draft process. If I’m the owner I’d try to keep him out for as long as possible. Get his conditioning right.

I'm not passing on injured Zion

 

[Huskyforlife]

Last comment here because we’re beating a dead horse. His shooting efficiency was never his strong point, not even in college, where he had a lower TS and eFG on a top 3 team than Jalen Adams did at UConn last year. It’s a well documented weakness for Barrett and will probably be an issue in his early career. I noted he was very young and talented, and I never said that I was low on him long term (I’m not). We’ll see how he progresses this year, but I’m tempering my expectations in year 1.

Even looking past his efficiency stats at duke, watching the games, he was obviously a chucker, I'm surprised even Knicks fans won't acknowledge that.

 

[KingAG]

Even looking past his efficiency stats at duke, watching the games, he was obviously a chucker, I'm surprised even Knicks fans won't acknowledge that.

Because Knick fans have seen him play games for the Knicks.......he hasn’t been chucking. What he did at Duke is irrelevant. He had ONE bad shooting night in preseason. Take away that night and in his first 5 NBA games he’s shooting 55% from the field and 37% from 3. While averaging 13 shots per game in 37 mpg. That’s not chucking. Those are the numbers. It literally takes 5min Of research to see UConnStats is way off base

 

[superjohn]

After watching the beginning of this season I was just reminded of how much more I like college basketball compared to the NBA.

Watch the Clippers, they are going to fly all around the court and put the clamps on everyone. Watch the Nuggets, Jokic is one of the most skilled bball players you'll ever see. Watch the Bucks, Giannis is a freak. Watch the Mavs, Doncic can do everything there is to do on the court and Porzingis is another freak. Watch the Pelicans when Zion is back, he's the most athletic person in sports. Watch the Hawks, they are full of young talent. You can basically turn on any game in the NBA now and have a couple players who will wow you. The league is about as healthy as it's ever been.

 

[Huskyforlife]

Because Knick fans have seen him play games for the Knicks..he hasn’t been chucking. What he did at Duke is irrelevant. He had ONE bad shooting night in preseason. Take away that night and in his first 5 NBA games he’s shooting 55% from the field and 37% from 3. While averaging 13 shots per game in 37 mpg. That’s not chucking. Those are the numbers. It literally takes 5min Of research to see UConnStats is way off base

You drafted him based on what he did at Duke, I'd say it's relevant.

 

[KingAG]

You drafted him based on what he did at Duke, I'd say it's relevant.

Not when evaluating his performance thus far in the league. Which is what UConnStats was doing.....he said “he’s looked bad” and has been “chucking”. Then damn near admitted he hasn’t really watched him. He’s way off. Period

This is like saying, “jimmy butler is a bad offensive player, because you know remember Marquette?” It’s literally irrelevant

 

[Huskyforlife]

Not when evaluating his performance thus far in the league. Which is what UConnStats was doing.....he said “he’s looked bad” and has been “chucking”. Then damn near admitted he hasn’t really watched him. He’s way off. Period

This is like saying, “jimmy butler is a bad offensive player, because you know remember Marquette?” It’s literally irrelevant

Well obviously once you've been in the league for a couple years your college stats are replaced with your pro performance. As someone who watched Barrett play a few times this pre season, I thought he took plenty of bad shots, but I'm also not a big pre season guy, we'll find out more at the quarter mark of the regular season.

 

[KingAG]

Well obviously once you've been in the league for a couple years your college stats are replaced with your pro performance. As someone who watched Barrett play a few times this pre season, I thought he took plenty of bad shots, but I'm also not a big pre season guy, we'll find out more at the quarter mark of the regular season.

I understand your “eye test”. But at what point do the numbers supersede the narrative? That’s my only point. Calling the kid a chucker when his numbers say otherwise is purely narrative driven imo.

 

[UConnStats]

Not when evaluating his performance thus far in the league. Which is what UConnStats was doing.....he said “he’s looked bad” and has been “chucking”. Then damn near admitted he hasn’t really watched him. He’s way off. Period

This is like saying, “jimmy butler is a bad offensive player, because you know remember Marquette?” It’s literally irrelevant

How did I admit that at all?

And nothing you’ve stated shows that he is/will be an efficient player in the NBA. You’re just stomping your feet and pointing to 2 great games and saying “this is how it’s going to be.”

I could easily be wrong and Barrett could end up having an great rookie year. But there’s a lot more statistical evidence suggesting that won’t the case in the immediate future. If you can’t admit that you’re just being a homer or you don’t understand how advanced metrics work.

 

[RipCity]

I understand your “eye test”. But at what point do the numbers supersede the narrative? That’s my only point. Calling the kid a chucker when his numbers say otherwise is purely narrative driven imo.

he takes a lot of shots and doesn’t have great %s so I would call that chucking

doesn’t mean he’s not good

 

[KingAG]

he takes a lot of shots and doesn’t have great %s so I would call that chucking

doesn’t mean he’s not good

He doesn’t take a lot of shots. Averaging 13 shots in 37min isn’t a lot to me. Shooting 55% while doing so is also not inefficient. He isn’t a great 3point shooter. Maybe my idea of “chucking” is different. Russ is a chucker. He’s had 1 bad shooting night, 2 average ones, and 2 great ones. The most shots he’s taken is 15 in 41 min. If y’all call that chucking so be it. The majority of “advanced metrics” is bull spit(ie +\-)

 

[KingAG]

How did I admit that at all?

And nothing you’ve stated shows that he is/will be an efficient player in the NBA. You’re just stomping your feet and pointing to 2 great games and saying “this is how it’s going to be.”

I could easily be wrong and Barrett could end up having an great rookie year. But there’s a lot more statistical evidence suggesting that won’t the case in the immediate future. If you can’t admit that you’re just being a homer or you don’t understand how advanced metrics work.

I’m not predicting anything, I’m speaking on what he’s done. He’s had ONE bad shooting night. His last 2 have been extremely efficient. Your idea of “chucking” maybe different. I would assume you believe the majority of pg’s in the league are chuckers. In that case were arguing opinion not fact. You saying the numbers point to him not having a good rookie year as if that’s a fact, is crap. If RJ replicates his first 5 NBA games over the remainder of this season he’s ROTY. But again you’re speaking OPINION as am I. So it’s a dead end

 

[RipCity]

He doesn’t take a lot of shots. Averaging 13 shots in 37min isn’t a lot to me. Shooting 55% while doing so is also not inefficient. He isn’t a great 3point shooter. Maybe my idea of “chucking” is different. Russ is a chucker. He’s had 1 bad shooting night, 2 average ones, and 2 great ones. The most shots he’s taken is 15 in 41 min. If y’all call that chucking so be it. The majority of “advanced metrics” is bull spit(ie +\-)

ok that’s a fair opinion, but you calling someone way off when they’re providing their own opinion and supporting it too is immature. Like stats said, you took it personal and got defensive and here we are... would have been an interesting debate too

 

[UConnStats]

ok that’s a fair opinion, but you calling someone way off when they’re providing their own opinion and supporting it too is immature. Like stats said, you took it personal and got defensive and here we are... would have been an interesting debate too

It is a good debate and he’ll be one of the most fun rookies to follow.

And I have no beef with @AntG168 at all. All good

 

[KingAG]

It is a good debate and he’ll be one of the most fun rookies to follow.

And I have no beef with @AntG168 at all. All good

No beef at all lol. I’m a passionate Knicks fan who does wear Orange and Blue Glasses haha. Don’t mistake my passion for angst. I’ve been very reactionary to any Knicks slander lately(not that that’s what you did). But the media and other fans have been using the Knicks as a punching bag when it comes to everything fairly and unfairly. I took the word “chucker” in a negative light. But I now don’t believe that what @UConnStats intended. All good

 

[Kenny11]

To each his own I suppose. Out of curiosity, what is it you find more enjoyable about the college game? Beyond the pageantry of college sports generally and my emotional attachment to UConn through my family, there is - to me - absolutely zero about the on-court product that makes college basketball better than the NBA.

Yeah for me the nba is a much better product especially in the last 7 years or so as the talent level is better than its ever been. I worry a little bit about a lot of teams starting to play the exact same style but that’s about it. The college game can be pretty boring overall. Of course, I would rather watch a uconn game than an nba game...but I would rather watch any nba game than 90% of other college games.