Love the Shaq comparison for Zion
- Thread starter TheDude1
- Start date
Umm Shaq? Not close. Shaq isn’t running the fast break or shooting three’s or bringing the ball up. Shaq simply camped in the lane. Zion does way more and beyond what Shaq did and he can hit free throws, but better yet can hit a jumper this early in his career.
It’s not quite a “player to player” comparison... more like a comparison of their down low “presence”? Zion obviously is more like a guard version
Hey now, Shaq was clutch at the line. The only time he could seem to make them lol
I don't really see how the two compare. Shad is about 6 inches taller and no where near term athlete Zion is. Not a Shaq fan here. He had one move and that was to use his big butt and just back whoever was guarding him into the basket and dunk it or do a layup. There really wasn't many good centers when Shaq played also. Just my opinion. OFC
Shaq had more than one move Sky. And there weren't many good centers? Huhhh. Dream, Ewing, Robinson, Dikembe, Yao, Mourning, Dwight. You could even toss in Divac & Smits. Far more great centers than any era in NBA history at one time.
That’s why I like the comparison, because it looks a bit beyond height... Look at how they physically dominate down low... both use both hands actively, both have a big jump, both absolute CRUSH the rim, both are just so physical that not even contact or fouling can alter the shot... Shaq definitely isn’t the athlete Zion was, I’m not saying that... but I get why Grant (I think?) made that comparison.
And there weren’t many good centers when Shaq played? Uh... Robinson, Mutombo, Ewing, Duncan, Johnson, Mourning, Webber, Hakeem... I seem to remember a bunch of good big guys.
Zion Is Zion. We have never seen a player like him, and probally never will see another. The End.
His best comparison imo is Lebron. People just don't want to say that because they'll get raked over the coals. His athleticism (especially for his size), his ability to block shots, run the floor with the ball, his presence among his team mates and how he rallies them together (maybe sans Lakers), his sheer ability to jump and dunk, etc. Before I get quoted, let me say it's not a perfect comparison and I know that. But they seem to have not only very similar games, they have similar body types, and have the same effect on their teams.
The one thing I don't think we've seen Zion do that I reaaaally need is to completely posterize someone.
The one thing I don't think we've seen Zion do that I reaaaally need is to completely posterize someone.
I think we’re all more than impressed with Zion’s ability and potential but the fact is he’s not Shaq and he’s not better than Lebron. Those are 2 of the 10 greatest players of all time. Zion has a long ways to go before he gets in that company. It’s been a fun ride watching him thus far and it’ll continue to be in the future.
I think Zion is much bigger than LeBron was at the same age. Their body types are different as well. I just think LeBron was able to have the ball in his hands much more, but Zion is definitely more efficient.
Players are labeled “one-of-a-kind” because their height/weight combined with skill-set makes them incomparable otherwise. Shaq, Magic are two perfect examples. Zion (if he has NBA success) will also fall into the category.
MJ, LeBron, Kobe... greatest players of all time, but their physical intangibles are replicabable.
MJ, LeBron, Kobe... greatest players of all time, but their physical intangibles are replicabable.
I have two young ones. That song is on a permanent loop in my brain.