Bio

Hometown: Spartanburg, South Carolina

School: Duke

Class: Freshman

Age: 19

Ht: 6’7″

Wt: 285

Wingspan: 6’10”

Vertical: NA

Facts to Know

Zion is heavier than every current NBA player except 7’3″ Boban Marjanovic
Did not play HS football, but was offered LSU football scholarship in 2016
Won Wooden Award, AP National Player of Year, Wayman Tisdale award, and more

Athleticism

Pros

Best pure athlete in draft history
Physical specimen
Unreal leaping ability
Massive body and frame
Impressively light on feet
Very agile on cuts/in lane
Speed at 285 lbs, able to outrun guards
Great coordination seen on D

Cons

None

Grade: A+

NBA Skills

Pros

Full arsenal of moves at the rim
Underrated passer
Can guard all 5 positions well
Go-to moves in the post
Solid shooter when at his spots
Developed dribble moves
Near unstoppable in the break

Cons

Outside shot/form needs work

Grade: A

Production

Pros

68% from the field
27 points per 36 minutes
10 rebounds per 36 minutes
1:1 steal to foul ratio
2.1 steals and 1.8 blocks per game
Top tier defensive rating (87.4)
Elite offensive rating (133.1)
40.8 PER (league average is 15)

Cons

None

Grade: A+

Risk

Pros

Generational talent
Off the charts athlete
Recognized as #1 CBB Player
Handles all media hype well
Passionate, plays the right way
Positionless basketball player
Can thrive in any scheme/system
Major box office attraction
Already 2nd heaviest in league

Cons

None

Grade: A+

Overall

By now, everyone has heard about Zion and what he can do on the basketball court. The dunks are great, but what really makes him an attractive prospect is his willingness to learn, and ability to showcase a balanced game. With the right coaching and some better luck in the injury department, he can become one of the greatest to ever pick up a basketball.

Pro Comp: PF Blake Griffin (Detroit Pistons)

Prime Destinations: NOP, MEM, NYK

OVERALL Grade: A+