Poll title should say "Will Zion eventually be the GOAT." The potential is clearly there. Vote and discuss, if you wish.
He is like Shaq but 6'7. And Shaq got really fat at the end. He has to control his weight. I recall DeMarcus Cousins having weight problems after the Draft and going to a Mediterranean diet.
People love to hate. If he spends the time and money on his body like LeBron does then there's no reason why he can't have a similar career arch. And anyone denying the fact that he's the next torch-bearer is delusional... he'd have been the heaviest player in the league if he was drafted after his Junior year of highschool, and he plays on the wing. The kid is damn scary. Absolute freak that'll bully anyone in the NBA. He won the genetic lottery for that decade. So yes, the GOAT potential is there.
He is far more athletic than Shaq ever was. And from everything i've seen he has that LeBron-like focus and dedication to being the best. Very serious and hungry. Intense energy. I find it mindblowing that a dude pushing 300 lb can have a 40 inch vert. If he was in the NBA today he would be the 2nd heaviest player and somehow... 40 inch vert. Again, mindblown. I think he will actually improve his body over the next 10 years. He will have all the top experts helping him along the way. Also in Shaq's day there was a lot less info and emphasis on diet and advanced exercise. The argument that he needs a good 3pt shot is solid, but if Griffin can develop one, anyone can. I'm bullish.
He flies higher but it's still just a 2 pointer. Have to watch him in game time situations and against grown NBA players than college competition first. Orlando Shaq was a tad more athletic than the other versions I think Lebron was more of a total package coming in and a Highschool player at that. It's not the ability to dunk hard or be strong, it was his ability to get better, learn things in the course of his career that stood out. .
It's interesting to look at some general things that have happened or physical traits/abilities. The hype on Zion coming out of highschool was unreal and he has somehow exceeded them while making Duke much better when he is healthy. He compares IMO to young Barkley and (more so) LeBron -- he is about 20 pounds heavier and slower than James, but right now he is more explosive and impossible to move under the basket. He also plays really well around the basket and has some nice Hardenesq awkward lefty non-dunk finishing moves. He is huge but moves smooth like a much smaller player -- weight gain is a concern but his frame is enormous with Yao-like tree trunk legs. He is cut at 285 which just seems impossible for a 19 yo. He seems to do something amazing every game whether it's a dunk, block, pass, or steal. He's definitely improving and may be the best player in the league when he hits his prime if he continues on his current trajectory. Whatever happens he will certainly be fun to watch develop -- particularly the 2020 dunk contest.
I honestly think Zion is going to be above average at best in the league. He’s a freak, but the hype for him is too much. He will underwhelm.