The Curious Case of Zion Williamson

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  • čas přidán 2. 04. 2024
  • Zion is one of the most interesting players in the NBA. He's almost a guaranteed 25 5 and 5 player every night, but many think that his career so far has been disappointing. Today we talk about the complexities of playing with a generational talent and why the Pelicans might have some important decisions to make in the future.
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Komentáře • 139

  • @TB-rh7nc
    @TB-rh7nc Před měsícem +168

    I see Daniel Li video, I click on Daniel Li video

  • @baller34725
    @baller34725 Před měsícem +26

    Pels just need a stretch 5 who can defend the rim like the Bucks got with Lopez. Once they do that, they can run 5-out and Zion will become way more effective.

    • @versatillion15
      @versatillion15 Před měsícem +1

      A stretch 5 that can defend the rim lol how many of those are in the nba

    • @petershen7949
      @petershen7949 Před měsícem +5

      @@versatillion15 Myles Turner, Brook Lopez, Towns, Jokic, Love, Porzingas are the main ones that come to mind. I guess not that many which is why all of these players have a huge role.

    • @versatillion15
      @versatillion15 Před měsícem +1

      @@petershen7949 Jokic can’t defend the rim lol niether can love if you mean Kevin Love

    • @erichong4786
      @erichong4786 Před měsícem +3

      @@petershen7949 Towns and Jokic are untouchables, Love is abused in the pick and roll, Porzingis just got traded to Boston THIS season, and Indiana is never trading Myles.
      Your best shot is Brook Lopez cause the Bucks are breaking down. The issue is dude is already 36 YEARS OLD.
      Pelicans are just doomed overall.

    • @Thatboygtmike
      @Thatboygtmike Před měsícem +1

      @@petershen7949 lol Towns not even the center right now that's the crazy part

  • @RuinAngel
    @RuinAngel Před měsícem +31

    It looks like the Pelicans' current roster are full of exploitable weaknesses in the playoff. Not saying the roster is bad or lacking talent, just that they really don't match well.

    • @Megatraum504
      @Megatraum504 Před měsícem +14

      we only been losing since BI got injured. everyone got all these crazy takes but our arguably best player is hurt.

    • @nineteenct
      @nineteenct Před měsícem +15

      @@Megatraum504He’s certainly our most complete player, and closest thing to a leader with how everybody look so lost rn

    • @alkebulanlion6198
      @alkebulanlion6198 Před měsícem +5

      @@Megatraum504nah it’s Zion the best player and it showed last year bi opens Zion game slot

    • @Megatraum504
      @Megatraum504 Před měsícem

      but you could make an ez argument for BI is all im saying. just stressing his importance.@@alkebulanlion6198

    • @michaelfedna6067
      @michaelfedna6067 Před měsícem +3

      @@alkebulanlion6198it did not show shit last year cause Bi was better then him last year too

  • @habaconia
    @habaconia Před měsícem +15

    Those mid-range, right block pick n rolls are VERY interesting

  • @kekhruhollcho5609
    @kekhruhollcho5609 Před měsícem +40

    Why is this channel so underrated ?

  • @sgrey9181
    @sgrey9181 Před měsícem +13

    What I’m getting from this video is the Pels don’t exactly have an offensive identity, and that’s what’s causing them problems. They either need to commit to a small-ball setup, and ditch Valenciunis (the guy is great but just maybe not quite the right fit for this team). Or alternatively, they can find a big man with better 3-pt shooting. My mind immediately goes to Naz Reid in this area, if they can snag him in a trade. Unfortunately his contract is still waiting for a while and I don’t know what the Pels have to offer the Twolves.

    • @manucorleone3877
      @manucorleone3877 Před měsícem +8

      They also need a pecking order. CJ is the only third option in the league averaging 16 shots per game. He is second on the team in shots per game

    • @t-mofisher8922
      @t-mofisher8922 Před měsícem +3

      you might be the only person in the comments section that actually watched the video with their brain on. kudos.
      pretty much agree with what you said here. they have a roster construction problem centered around not fully committing to a style of offense
      Edit: giving it some further thought, im surprised they havent really experimented with Herb Jones at the 5 now that he’s more comfortable spotting up. It’d be a tougher defensive task for him but he’s shown the capability. Lack of creativity from the coach in that area might be limiting them

    • @sgrey9181
      @sgrey9181 Před měsícem +5

      @@t-mofisher8922 also feel like the coach is currently testing the waters, since this is the first season Zion’s actually been healthy. If I were the coach I would stick with this lineup and roster for the rest of the year, see how far it takes them during the playoffs, and then try and switch it up over the offseason if it needs work

    • @Thatboygtmike
      @Thatboygtmike Před měsícem

      @@t-mofisher8922 bro they have no bigs to play the role they need lol, Herb Jones at the 5 bro? That's a recipe for bad defense and getting killed on the glass

  • @buzzerbeater3350
    @buzzerbeater3350 Před měsícem +31

    You don't put out a lot of videos but when you do it's worth the wait.

  • @dimelo58
    @dimelo58 Před měsícem

    Great content like always

  • @denyosworld2620
    @denyosworld2620 Před měsícem +4

    Imagine Zion having a jumpshoot!!!

  • @connorhavenstein5693
    @connorhavenstein5693 Před měsícem +7

    Another awesome video as always 🔥

  • @jarmariousgoforth6490
    @jarmariousgoforth6490 Před měsícem +11

    ahh the random unannounced uploads are great daniel

  • @marcjunay6653
    @marcjunay6653 Před měsícem +2

    DANIEL LI VID DROPPED YEAHHH BABBY

  • @israelmedina706
    @israelmedina706 Před měsícem

    I wonder if NBA players / Analysts watch your videos, it’s always solid

  • @t-mofisher8922
    @t-mofisher8922 Před měsícem +2

    Great video. If the Pels are going to fully commit to the way Zion plays rn, they should be looking for a floor spacing big man if worried about size, or just commit to being small and giving up on D. Although Zion’s lack of off-ball presence will still be a bit of a hindrance.
    Considering he guards 1-5 and spaces the floor now, I’m a bit surprised Coach Green has stopped experimenting with Herb at the 5. You’re still giving up size and rebounding but the paint defense would actually be passable compared to Z at the 5 like some are suggesting.

    • @joostopteynde4975
      @joostopteynde4975 Před měsícem +1

      Herb is not big enough to guard 5s. They can push him off his spot and physically overpower him. If anything, our "small ball" unit has Zion at 5. Willie green is increasingly playing Larry Nance as a 5 to have a full switching lineup nowadays. Even though he isn't a much better shooter than Valenciunas, his feet are a lot quicker and he can guard and switch onto perimeter players. A mobile big man would be huge for the Pelicans defensively, and a shooting big man would be huge for them offensively. Finding both in one player is very hard and would be a god send for them.

  • @sanche215
    @sanche215 Před měsícem +1

    Yo Dan, good work. Hoping you continue throughout the playoffs. Been here since you had a few hundred views, nice to see the come up.

  • @shadow_realm47
    @shadow_realm47 Před měsícem +73

    Moriah Mills.

  • @getthefonyourdot
    @getthefonyourdot Před měsícem +4

    People need to start talking about the FO than Zion’s weakness. Why hasn’t the FO even attempted to get a spacing center? Not even a home run like Brook Lopez when he was testing FA last offseason or Myles Turner who’s always in trade talks, but even a Christian wood, muscala, or even mo bamba would be helpful.
    Why doesn’t the coaching staff run more diverse actions to beat pre-rotating like attacking double gaps or running more weakside action to occupy help defense?
    Why doesn’t the coaching staff implement consistent help beaters in their offense instead of relying on Zion attacking double teams from the post?
    Why is Gayle Benson one of only two owners to never dip into the luxury tax?
    The pelicans FO is wayyy more egregious in flaws than Zion but nobody cares or understands the nuance to point it out but it needs to be addressed after this year when they’ll flame out embarrassingly in the playoffs. Or we can just make fun of how fat Zion is again I guess since that gets more attention in the network shows

  • @saitodosan9377
    @saitodosan9377 Před měsícem +2

    It's always a highlight of the day when you come home to see a new Daniel Li upload

  • @Kagemusha08
    @Kagemusha08 Před měsícem +16

    Feels like there's some mentality problems holding him back. I get that neither he nor NOLA wants him to go 100% physically and risk getting injured; anyone would take a guy getting 23/5/5 and playing most of the season any day. But there's no reason someone with his physical attributes shouldn't be able to get close to 10 boards a game. It's not like he's gotta risk blowing out his ACL in order to dial in and focus on rebounding. Dude is literally a more athletic Charles Barkley.

    • @blocblackboyblack9226
      @blocblackboyblack9226 Před měsícem +1

      There’s many people with his size 6’6 that get the same amount of rebounds

    • @BigPurp9
      @BigPurp9 Před měsícem

      You can’t say that, 90% of the modern nba is wrapping everyone in bubble wrap to avoid injuries

  • @SafaretoSaf
    @SafaretoSaf Před měsícem

    Really interesting video. based on that dilemma, what teams do you think the Pels have the more favorable match ups with?

  • @viktorvaughn7341
    @viktorvaughn7341 Před měsícem +3

    I kinda wonder how an uber small lineup would look like for the Pels, Alvarado at the PG, CJ as SG, then you can play Trey Murphy and BI as the 3/4 and Zion at the 5...I mean ain't no one in the lineup can really pass the ball or dominant the boards but you got a ton of mismatches and shooters

  • @OfficialRu_
    @OfficialRu_ Před měsícem

    PLEASE DO A SCOUTING REPORT ON UPCOMING PROSPECTS😆

  • @peter8036
    @peter8036 Před měsícem +1

    when daniel speaks, i listen

  • @dennishouston6286
    @dennishouston6286 Před měsícem +1

    He was the first man picked in the draft. Meaning, everyone knew what they were looking at. The Pels sure as hell forget who that man is at times. It’s frustrating as hell seeing all those shooters on the Pels chucking at will! Yes,it’s hard to find the correct adhesion and frustrating but throughly possible and necessary.

  • @mogulme6190
    @mogulme6190 Před měsícem +2

    He’s gotta start shooting… watching the games you can see teams scheming against him, and if his teammates aren’t shooting it well they’re absolutely dead in the water.

  • @hugomorency8700
    @hugomorency8700 Před měsícem +2

    I think the Pelicans offense would be unstoppable if they had a center who could playmake a bit. Don't know who but imagining Zion in a Aaron Gordon type role when he's off the ball and having the center space the floor through the threat of dribble hand-offs with the Pelicans shooters would be insane

  • @afifmazlan
    @afifmazlan Před měsícem +1

    Its not just that hes explosive but hes fast asf also. 270 lbs blowing by pgs lol

  • @arjunset
    @arjunset Před měsícem

    dan li a legend

  • @talestomazalves8089
    @talestomazalves8089 Před měsícem

    4:34 missed oportunity to play the VSauce theme song

  • @Doggomorph
    @Doggomorph Před měsícem +3

    Zion can shoot 3s too remember his debut

    • @denitepic1525
      @denitepic1525 Před měsícem +4

      He’s only made 5 threes this season…

    • @deliberation6022
      @deliberation6022 Před měsícem +3

      @@denitepic1525 dawg he attempted 13 3 point shots this season. He doesnt have the green light.

  • @philip321
    @philip321 Před měsícem +2

    Cj gotta come off the bench

  • @Puffballs-en2sk
    @Puffballs-en2sk Před měsícem +1

    watch some pels games and you will hear commentators say no.1 has to touch the ball on this play, its a similar deal with Wemby and the spurs good players individualy but non complmentary and lacks depth

  • @matthewruiz6947
    @matthewruiz6947 Před měsícem +2

    I had a vision of wemby and Zion playing on the same team

  • @allphornunn
    @allphornunn Před měsícem

    Makes a lot of sense. Guess they need to move valanciunas, try&hope to get a 3pt shooting big. But then, everyone's hoping to land the next jaren jackson or naz...

  • @goldengordon9502
    @goldengordon9502 Před měsícem

    He’s going to dominate in the playoffs

  • @setsen941108
    @setsen941108 Před měsícem +6

    They're sleeper playoff team, however they don't have enough mix or chemistry to go further. Even Lakers and GSW might prove too challenging for a 7 game series for Pels. They need to address their problem in offseason with either go with Ingram or Zion.

    • @j03_54
      @j03_54 Před měsícem

      I dont think choosing between ingram or zion is the solution, unless they get a player that is an upgrade

    • @francisayala9310
      @francisayala9310 Před měsícem

      Extremely easy to say "Choose between Zion or Ingram". But isn't aint 2K. The Pelicans are a small market team in a city and state that only cares about football. The Pels will never get mid to top tier free agents to sign with them unless they massively over pay. So if they manage to get their hands on All-Star level talent, they will never trade one of them and keep trying over and over until the situation is untenable. Sure, this may mean that they never win a championship, but owners get more money if a team makes it to the playoffs, regardless of where the team finishes. This is why you see small market teams who consistently finish in 4th thru 8th in their conference take forever to blow things up: its easier for the owners (money) and the front office (job security) to keep things exactly the same each year.

  • @sipon47
    @sipon47 Před měsícem +1

    I guarantee he was told not to crash the boards like that. To try to save his legs. But watch in the playoffs he will avg a double double easy.

  • @justinland1208
    @justinland1208 Před měsícem

    Career high 61 games is an incredible statement.

  • @goldengordon9502
    @goldengordon9502 Před měsícem

    Freakish athleticism. Perpetually underrated. Watch him take the league over in the playoffs.

  • @somebodysomebody8286
    @somebodysomebody8286 Před měsícem +2

    You should probably consider change your youtube name to a brand name so you can get more views

  • @sponko
    @sponko Před měsícem

    Wait... the pels have a worse clutch offense than the suns? Well thats one hell of an issue

  • @djdjdax2253
    @djdjdax2253 Před měsícem

    Looks like they are running a 90s style offense.

  • @lilyrubyify
    @lilyrubyify Před měsícem

    They can try to get Towns. He'd be pretty perfect for Zion.

  • @maartenvz
    @maartenvz Před měsícem +4

    That first line summed it up perfectly: 25 and 5. How does a guy with his body only average 5 rebounds? Another painful stat is their best 4 man lineups wrt net rating (min 200 min) dont include Zion. If I'm New Orleans i'm going hard after a guy like Isaiah Hartenstein this off season and try to get an Aaron Gordon type of player to replace Zion. A pass first backup pg would also be welcome.
    The Pelicans season that looked so promising 2 weeks ago with possible homecourt advantage in the first round now is fading like a night candle.

    • @S3verusMyG
      @S3verusMyG Před měsícem +1

      Zion big ahh to athletic to be a mediocre defender

    • @presley.25
      @presley.25 Před měsícem

      U think they will go for Jermi grant?

    • @Suckitfromthaackbays
      @Suckitfromthaackbays Před měsícem

      Bruh why on earth would you replace Zion rather than build around him more effectively? This team doesn’t mesh at all, u don’t get rid of the best player in that situation you get better pieces around him

    • @Meech214
      @Meech214 Před měsícem

      Omg thank god you’re not NO

  • @glendegroot8403
    @glendegroot8403 Před měsícem

    You can't just throw talent/skill together and expect it to work everytime. Basketball is about style and chemistry. This is why Toronto's experiment with a lineup of skilled 6'9ish players didn't work.

  • @Hilight277
    @Hilight277 Před měsícem

    Lonzo would be perfect for this time imo 😢😢😢

  • @cinnabar546
    @cinnabar546 Před měsícem

    Hes such a pleasure to watch dominate

  • @thespaceboundjd7584
    @thespaceboundjd7584 Před měsícem +1

    If zion got calls like giannas the items would have a better record..

    • @JhonnyDynamite
      @JhonnyDynamite Před měsícem

      With refs that bet on these games ?
      no chance

  • @user-jh8id3lf8x
    @user-jh8id3lf8x Před měsícem

    6'7

  • @CapnAhad
    @CapnAhad Před měsícem +5

    want to believe zion isnt a bust, was really fun to see him play at duke

    • @j03_54
      @j03_54 Před měsícem +8

      Ofcourse he isnt a bust, he is just a little underwelming

    • @GameChanger-xi4iy
      @GameChanger-xi4iy Před měsícem +12

      How can you be a bust when you average the 4th most points per minute in nba history 😐😐

  • @GustavoSilva-ny8jc
    @GustavoSilva-ny8jc Před 29 dny

    3:22 WHAAAAT???? So he's shorter than even Klay! I know a guy who's 6'6, Zi looks more human now. That explain things tho, if he was ultra tall he wouldnt move and jump like that, even more while being this thick, and there are lots of athletic guys this height so he looks more normal. By the fuzz i thought he was around bron's height.

  • @MrTheBigNoze
    @MrTheBigNoze Před měsícem +3

    Zion has some of the best touch around the rim of anyone in the nba

  • @Lee-fc3yf
    @Lee-fc3yf Před měsícem

    For me he is the future not Ja or Edwards, there is something unstoppable about him.

  • @presley.25
    @presley.25 Před měsícem

    Zion need a midrange

  • @southeastdc007
    @southeastdc007 Před měsícem

    Cp3

  • @brianbcj
    @brianbcj Před měsícem

    I stopped watching when you said Zion skills set is limited it’s not limited it’s unique

  • @ai_9959
    @ai_9959 Před měsícem

    He needs chet as a frontcourt partner

  • @TheGbelcher
    @TheGbelcher Před měsícem

    Why don’t they play Zion at the 5? You didn’t really explain that.

    • @krumplin8992
      @krumplin8992 Před měsícem +13

      He'd be undersized at 6"6 at the 5 and isn't a great defender. Any team with a competent big would be able to get fairly easy offense in exchange for one extra shooter on the other end for the pels

  • @derekhettinger451
    @derekhettinger451 Před měsícem

    "in 5 seasons" ...
    this is Zion's 3rd season

    • @rizqyapriandy5713
      @rizqyapriandy5713 Před měsícem +1

      zion was drafted in 2019, but i understand what you mean

  • @22xxjoshxx22
    @22xxjoshxx22 Před měsícem

    Cj should be coming off the bench easy..

  • @GustavoSilva-ny8jc
    @GustavoSilva-ny8jc Před měsícem

    And it's not his problem of court 😂

  • @thetrib1
    @thetrib1 Před měsícem

    just commenting off the title. will watch the vid. the case is that he's been injured. and that's it basically. a lot of overreaction over a dude that has been injured.

  • @DonLee1980
    @DonLee1980 Před měsícem

    when he starts to lose his bounce, he's going to be a liability

  • @SK-mw8vd
    @SK-mw8vd Před měsícem +1

    The 2 biggest things holding the Pelicans back that I feel you missed are:
    1. They have zero true PG's, who can run an offense and make secondary/tertiary passes.
    2. Zion's defense. Goodness, for such an athlete, this man is terrified to get dunked on. He refuses to challenge at the rim, and can't stick with guards.

  • @deliberation6022
    @deliberation6022 Před měsícem

    If you watch the Pelicans broadcast you will hear the commentators speaking at length about how Pels need Zion at Point because off ball he looks asleep. They speak about it as if it unlocking his potential??? Honestly I think that is his biggest problem. Quit giving him so much excuses. 5 rebounds from one of the greatest jumpers? I mean I watch hella games where balls will literally bounce by him and he not make a move.
    When the ball isnt in motion up the floor or in his hand it like he's asleep.
    Also I think the lack of fighting for rebound could sprout from them not wanting him injured. Since he got injured his offensive rebound has dropped 58.82% (2.7 to 1.7).
    My issue is Zion fights towards the basket and passes the ball out for an outlet pass alot. He's in prime position to get a damn rebound man cmon.

  • @josebless5152
    @josebless5152 Před měsícem

    BI > Zion.

  • @gelatokey
    @gelatokey Před měsícem

    The love for Zion vs the hate for Lofton jr is crazy while lofton can actually shoot and play more with more versatility

  • @user-nw4ln6gr5v
    @user-nw4ln6gr5v Před měsícem

    The need to either lower the basket 1ft or raise it 2ft. Playing 20+years and not having a jumpshot is insane, the NBA is just full of tall guys with no talent.

  • @BoolatGuzairov
    @BoolatGuzairov Před měsícem +4

    2 thoughts on a Zion thing:
    • its pretty hard to win with player who both can’t shoot & so ball dominant. He needs to either invest into mid-range game at least OR start looking after Bam w/ his off-ball activities;
    • but then we facing 2 even more harmful things about Zion: 1 - he has a low IQ, can’t be consistent even with simple reads, 2 - he’s effortless, basically useless at D. And those 2 things are hard to be learned.
    So he’s not Bam, not Giannis - and its VERY hard to win even with those two guys as cornerstone. To me Zions seems a regular season All-Star at his best. Might be an impactful 6th man - and the league better catch this before he declines physically.

    • @ochomunna270
      @ochomunna270 Před měsícem

      He's even worse in playoff situations when the game slows down and teams scheme for his drive-heavy play style.
      He was painfully useless during the IST when he couldn't drive, and exposed he lack of shooting.

    • @grumpy2k876
      @grumpy2k876 Před měsícem

      Your high if you think Zion doesn’t have IQ bro has not watched point Zion. And his defence is been getting better this past month. Also it’s not like he can’t shoot he just doesn’t it’s not like he’s Ben Simmons or something he can actually shoot just doesn’t believe in himself like that I guess. When he was at duke he was shooting a lot so I guess it’s a mental thing or he just don’t think he need too.

  • @kennethxu1789
    @kennethxu1789 Před měsícem +2

    Zion this year is somehow ben simmons but goodish? No shot but instead of being scared of fouls, he just takes it.

  • @saldoug7467
    @saldoug7467 Před měsícem +4

    The lazy bum has not added anything to is game, shameful…dude has 1 move ..smh

    • @GameChanger-xi4iy
      @GameChanger-xi4iy Před měsícem +8

      Why can’t they stop it then?

    • @ididntaskverified3663
      @ididntaskverified3663 Před měsícem

      Because he is still young

    • @saldoug7467
      @saldoug7467 Před měsícem

      @@ididntaskverified3663 the playoffs are where weaknesses are exposed. stay tuned..

    • @Boodhernandez
      @Boodhernandez Před měsícem +1

      I really like Zion wish him nothing but success he’s a freak but why isn’t he getting the Ben Simmons treatment? Where is his jump shot? Midrange? Three point shot when needed? This style of play won’t get you far in today’s NBA it’s very predictable.

  • @luisyupari
    @luisyupari Před měsícem

    Send a BBL bandit to his hotel room watch him underpeform. He a BBL addict and nothing more.

  • @JC-tu6hc
    @JC-tu6hc Před měsícem

    I don't even know if Zion knows how to play basketball. He just flings himself at the rim, and the ball finds its way to the basket. I think he has 5 or 6 more years before he's completely unplayable because he can no longer fling 400lbs at the rim at 30.

  • @Crunkboy415
    @Crunkboy415 Před měsícem

    And when he turns 30+ and loses a step and a foot off his leaps he'll turn into another Blake Griffin 🤣