Let’s discuss this at face value.
The problem I have with modern day basketball discussions is that the game is evolving and has evolved quicker than the viewers ability to argue the game. It’s kinda obvious. So let’s post facts about the modern game:
There are numerous 6-8/6-9+ players in the NBA who facilitate a team’s offense and lead their team in assist.
There are smaller players who are pulling down 9-10+ rbs a game.
These are truths about the modern game. What does this mean?
Take the nonsense big man: PF Center / small guy: Pg SG SF labels off your expectations and view every player like 1 of 10 players on the court. That’s all it is now.
Zion is a better rebounder than Lebron James! It took seasons for Bron to reach the current level Zion is at. Zion is 6-6 280whatever...lebron is 6-9 250whatever. Look at the game at face value.
He shoots 58% from the field and the loose bolt to the “all his shots are at the rim” argument is he can get the volume of shots up at the level of guys who shoot 3s.
Then look at all the different match ups Zion is faced in. In the 2 videos above, he’s guarding Fox and Beverly on an island without any help...forcing them into midrange fade-away or a very bad 3 (if he missed).
Is rim protection Zions weakness? Sure...but what’s Kawhis rim protection statistics? That’s how you have to start viewing the game because that’s the modern game. Not this outdated 1990s lens where you could count on one hand Shaq being on an island with a point guard.
Wake up, you’re missing greatness right now.
I can’t be the only one who’s looking at this guy and saying he’s the best rookie I’ve ever seen am I? My God...he’s so dominant.