Doug Gottlieb: “I think Zion Williamson is great but we’re trying to make him out to be LeBron James, and he AIN’T… Like LeBron early in his career, Zion is dominating on athleticism, energy, and effort, but the difference is that LeBron was essentially a guard when he got into the league, was always a good passer, and turned himself into a very good shooter and shot-maker. When I see Zion I feel like it’s Lamar Jackson – my caution is that teams will adjust to the way he plays and he’s going to get hurt. He has some Saquon Barkley in him too. No one is saying that Saquon isn’t awesome, but Barkley’s style doesn’t necessarily fit long-term in the NFL, the likelihood is for injury, and he’s not at a position that always dominates or is ever the reason you win… Zion has got to improve his shooting, his body has got to hold up, and his game is not one where if he lost some athleticism, he’d still be valuable in any way… Right now he’s an athletic freak that dominates on energy and athleticism, and playing a position differently than the way most people play it.” (Full Video Above)
Listen to Doug Gottlieb explain why he doesn’t see long-term NBA success for ravaging rookie Zion Williamson, as the New Orleans Pelicans phenom has taken the league by storm in just 13 games.
Despite averaging 23.3 points and 7.1 rebounds in just 28.3 minutes of action, Gottlieb compared Zion to NFL players Lamar Jackson and Saquon Barkley, as electrifying talents who might not be able to hold up in their respective sport not only just stylistically, but physically as well.
Check out the video above as Gottlieb details why there are still a lot of question marks around the 19-year-old having success in the pros for an entire career.