Williamson is, potentially, a freak. Just so physically imposing. Too soon to know how that translates, and what his work ethic is, but I would say it gives him the highest ceiling.
ZW’s ceiling is essentially LeBron. Maybe better. But that’s his *ceiling*. Does he have the same drive to dominate? Can he stay healthy? Remains to be seen. But what he’s doing to college basketball is insane.
Tatum’s ceiling, I would say, is top 5 - 10 NBA player. Maybe something like Durant, more likely a hair below. I think his odds of getting close to that ceiling are better than ZW, just based on the longer track record.
I was with you till the part about his ceiling potentially being higher then Lebrons...
I think Zion is going to be a special NBA player. He is coming into the league at a time where his skill set is perfect for the style of play. I see him as a hybrid of Blake Griffin and Draymond Green.
Yeah the hype around Zion has been ginormous, it's also amazing that people compare Zion to LeBron, despite other than speed, vertical, height, and strength/body, they play literally nothing alike. If Zion had even half of what had offensively, (LeBron's passing, handling, and penchant to take tough shots/clutch,) yeah I could see it. But he's a player who I do believe can end up becoming, as you said, Blake Griffin/Green hybrid.
I agree that the hype around Zion has been incredible. And I resisted for a long time – I am allergic to highlight reels that show players making uncontested dunks or dominating inferior competition in high school. Who cares about that stuff? There are 100 guys in the NBA who could do that.
I am coming around, though. It’s true he has not shot it well from the outside, the biggest hole in his game. But don’t forget, LeBron was a pretty lousy three point shooter when he entered the league (.290 his first NBA season.) I think ZW will improve.
I also think you are underestimating his abilities in other phases of offense. He has a solid handle and ridiculous shiftiness for a player his size, then explodes to the rim in a way few defenders can handle. Those who watch more than I do describe him as a very good player in the pick and roll, and wonder what he could do if his coach used him more in that role.
I remember what LeBron’s open court performance used to look like when he came into the league. Those drives to the rim with overwhelming physical force and enough agility to avoid fouling. The comparison is obvious, and it is essentially without peer. Draymond does not hold a candle.
Big picture ZW has been ridiculous in his efficiency and production. PER of 42.3. That isn’t a typo. It’s just (literally) unheard of. His TS% is .705. In under 30 minutes, he puts up 22.4 ppg on 12.8 shots, to go with 9.3 rpg, 2.3 assists, 2.3 steals.
How will that translate? Nobody knows. Maybe he’s benefiting from the quality of his teammates, maybe they’re holding him down. Going back to the LBJ comp again, I think Zion also starts as a wing and if he develops to his ceiling he maxes out by becoming a point forward.