Originally Posted by
MichaelMcNamara
I thought I saw a leader who would do anything to win and had a non stop motor combined with never before seen athleticism and skill set. The play that keeps coming to mind is the one vs Kentucky where he basically blocks a guy by just jumping and catching the ball and then races down court with a tight dribble and throws a one handed bounce pass to RJ in traffic for a layup. The De'Andre Hunter corner block stands out as well. And while both of those plays show skill, the most impressive part was the effort. It was all out and intense.
I have seen very little of that game to game in the NBA. And my theory is that I miswatched - thats part of it. I watched every game of his that year but I didnt watch him with as critical an eye as I normally do when he wasnt on ball (on offense and on defense) because I was so wowed by the big plays. I got suckered in by them. Also, I think there are some people who are frontrunners. When things are going well, they talk a ton, they run faster, get hype, go 110%. But the truly great ones hate to lose more than they like to win, and are driven to overcome adversity. They are used to adversity and almost welcome it and grind that much harder.
Again, this is just a guess but I do have a Masters in Counseling, my wife does as well - so I know a little but about the human psyche. And my guess is he hasn't faced a ton of adversity in his life and it frustrates him more than it fuels him (like most of us) and he doesnt have that extra gear that the top, top tier have. And as far as skill and athleticism, he would have to be the greatest athlete of all time to overcome his lack of size to dominate like Lebron and Giannis do. I mean, if Lebron was the same exact player and athlete, but 3 inches shorter and with Zion's body type, I think he would be a 6x All Star at best - not a top 4 player of all time.
So, its just a few things that has me think that TOP tier isn't possible. But I still think the 'Rich Man's Shawn Kemp' tier is very possible. Philadelphia Barkley, maybe (though I dont see him being a dog on the defensive glass). And the reason I would take Ja is because he does have that dog. He is driven by adversity and never takes a play off. And thats my bias, my preference. I would personally always take the guy with 8.5 skill, 10 effort and leadership guy over the 10 skill guy with lesser effort and leadership. Totally fine admitting thats my preference.