Thoughts on Zion

[MWHeels_rivals]

I'm sorry to hear Zion is going through some injury issues. Putting the rivalry aside, I hope he recovers well and has a successful NBA career. A lot of people seem to think it would be good for him to lose some additional weight and play around the 250-260 range. Not that he's fat, but playing at a lighter weight would be less stressful on his knees and legs going forward.

I'm interested to hear your thoughts on this.

 

[DukeDenver]

There have not been any guys his weight flying around like that... ever. Maybe Sir Charles was similar, but we don’t really know how he is going to age.

I have no take really. I think we have to watch and see.

For me, there’s no real sad story here if he breaks down early in his career. He may have overdone things the last 2-3 years showing off his hops every chance he got, but he got the #1 pick and is universally loved. I hope for all our sakes we get to see him at a high level for at least 10 years. He sees angles and finishes with rare touch. He is humble. He loves the game.

 

[CRAZIE4LIFE]

His size, talent, and character are all rare. I sure wish him the best and hope he recovers fully and can have at least a good 8 to 10 year career. I dont see an issue with him getting down to 265-270, that's probably close to where he was by the last half of the season last year but that's still a lot of pressure on those knees the way he plays.

 

[pisgah101]

No

 

[Devilinside]

He's perfect just as he is. Just needs a little better luck.

 

[Mpm277]

I hate to say it, and I hope it doesn't play out this way, but I'm really afraid that Zion will have a phenomenal and explosive career but relatively short lived.

This is his third knee injury in less than a year, all before playing in a single NBA game and experiencing the long, grueling NBA season. He'll need to learn how to adapt to the length of the season at the very least.

 

[tp394]

I fully understand that at his weight and with how high and powerful he jumps that it’s not good for his knees but i don’t think that’s the case right now. I think when he gets older it might be the case but he’s only 19 years old. Some people are just unlucky and get knee injuries. Derrick Rose wasn’t overweight was he? Sometimes people are just unlucky. I think people are jumping the gun on saying that his weight has caused this. I agree he needs to bring it down some but i don’t know how effective he will be if it comes down a lot. He really uses that weight to his advantage.

 

[AlanInNJ]

I wish nothing but the absolute best for Zion like everyone else here. Let him play for 20 years and be dunking over kids half his age in 2040. I'll be in my rocking chair telling my grand kids about how I saw him dunk live in a Duke uniform!

Nagging injuries unfortunately happen. Look at guys like Grant Hill.....not a heavy dude.

Serious question, if you're the Pelicans head office, once Zion is cleared to play, do you limit him to 20 minutes a game just to protect him a bit??

Alan

 

[dukiejay]

It's definitely something that is worthy of discussion, IMO. I'm not sure his weight is an issue, though. Like has already been pointed out, guys and gals of all shapes and sizes get hurt.

This is the third consecutive year Zion hasn't been able to complete a full season. Is it bad luck? I sure hope so. Luckily, he's avoided 'major' injuries up to this point.

I just want to see him healthy. Best of luck, Zion.

 

[Tlass]

I think some of the wear and tear on all these young men (19 and 20 yrs old) can mostly be attributed to AAU, Summer leagues, like they never get a day off and that starts as early as ages 12-13, hell maybe even younger. Not so sure all this can be put on how much Zion weighs. IMHO.

GO DUKE!

 

[OldasdirtDevil]

It's only natural to be concerned, but I think it's too early to worry just yet. The 'blowout' was a fluke, and not Zion's fault, so even though it was an injury it wasn't just a breakdown of his body. And I seriously doubt losing 15 pounds or so would make that much of a difference. He's a big, powerful guy, and that's just part of who he is imo.

I believe that his injury and many of the injuries we've seen going back quite a few years now at Duke (it's been a nightmare lately), and everywhere else, is a result of these kids playing at such an early age, and all year round. Basketball is 24/7 365 days a year now and at such an early age when the body is still growing, and developing. Repetitive stress is real. I think some down time, and a reasonable schedule of playing basketball would do wonders on young basketball players. Just my 2 cents.

OFC

 

[OldasdirtDevil]

I think some of the wear and tear on all these young men (19 and 20 yrs old) can mostly be attributed to AAU, Summer leagues, like they never get a day off and that starts as early as ages 12-13, hell maybe even younger. Not so sure all this can be put on how much Zion weighs. IMHO.

GO DUKE!

It is even younger, Tlass. I think I read an article a few months back that sports clinics where seeing 10 year olds with tendonitis, ACL tears and other repetitive stress injuries.

OFC

 

[dukiejay]

I think some of the wear and tear on all these young men (19 and 20 yrs old) can mostly be attributed to AAU, Summer leagues, like they never get a day off and that starts as early as ages 12-13, hell maybe even younger. Not so sure all this can be put on how much Zion weighs. IMHO.

GO DUKE!

Well stated.

I recently read an article about this. Most of the data was attributed to baseball and basketball. There was a kid entering college who at 18 years old was figured to have already thrown close to a thousand innings since he was 12 years old. Just let that sink in for a minute.

While it's great to be young, quick, active, what have you....we have to remember that teenagers are going through the biggest phase of body development they will ever see. Putting themselves through constant rigorous activity isn't beneficial for long-term health. It's just not.

 

[LONMUNU]

I remember thinking Shaq would never have a long career because of his size but he played forever lol. There are 6’2” 200 pound guys that can’t stay healthy. I hope he avoids the injury plagued career because I really think he could be an all time great.

 

[youngman42]

When it comes to weight and health, I don't think any comparisons to other basketball players (e.g., Barkley or whomever) is appropriate for Zion due to his other-worldly athleticism.

I think he does need to lose some because he is so explosively athletic that, at his weight, his knees and ankles are not goin to be able to hold up well long term. Just landing from as high as he gets up with that much weight is something that will take its toll.

He'd probably be suited to 265. You don't want to take away too much of his bulk or strength which are a big part of his game but you do want to see him get more lean and be landing less weight as well as pushing up less weight with his joints.

 

[Showenuff]

I think one of his biggest weaknesses is flexibility. He's always looked tight to me. He's super strong and muscular but he looks really tight. When that shoe blew out, you could tell how rigid he looked. His joints and ligaments will always be put to the test, because he goes where not many can. I pray he heals and does well, I mean , how in Gods name can you not love this kid? He is awesome in every sense of the word.