Seeing as we’re at the halfway point of the NBA season, it’s only natural to look back on the first half of the 2019-2020 NBA season. The biggest “what if” this season being the first half of Zion’s rookie year. After he suffered a minor injury during his first summer league game, with news breaking later that he tore his meniscus in practice, it became clear that he will likely be one of those guys whose body just can’t handle the rigor of an NBA season.
In his first seven games back, Zion is averaging 19.5 points per game on 61 percent from the field and 66 percent from range. The guy is a monster down low averaging 8 rebounds and two assists per game. After going four-for-four in his first game behind the arch, he has yet to make a three-pointer since. In limited minutes, the rookie has put on scoring clinics every game, but the question persists, is it sustainable? Here’s my hot take: No.
Through his first few games back, Zion has proven to be as dynamic and problematic as we thought. He’s a menace on the offensive end of the ball and grabs rebounds like they are nothing. His shooting will continue to be something he’ll have to work on, but that takes time. The cause for concern relates to his knees. Can they handle a grueling 82 game schedule, not including playoff games? I don’t think so. Much like Derrick Rose, his gift is also a curse. What I do see happening though is lots of load management like Kawhi Leonard.
Zion will without a doubt go down as one of the most electrifying players to ever play high school and college ball, but I don’t think his NBA career is as fruitful.
CJ Bonifer - Photography Manager