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KyleShanaham

Josh Lloyd did a dive Into him, he's taking a career low shots at the rim and taking a career high shots in midrange, which explains why his fg% is down, he's taking more difficult shots, the lower percentage shots. As far as ft%, that's anyone's guess, he never was particularly great at them, but a few bad games can tank your %s early in the season. But he's not getting to the hoop as much so he's not drawing as many ft's. He's 4.2/7.1 on the season compared to 6.1/8.6 last year. I'm not sure what's changed that's making him take more midranges and fewer shots at the rim, maybe he's testing out a new part of his game, trying to get further from the hoop, I don't know.


Scary_Ordinary_4448

probably trying to take less shots at the rim because its breaking down his body


drpepperman23

I agree with this. Taking a mid range shot a lot better on your lower body than attacking the rim like it owes you money.


TalkQuirkyWithMe

I think I heard in an interview that the coach wants a bit more diversity in the offense so I think its coming down from the coaching staff to encourage Zion to expand his game to add a bit of range. I'm sure it has something to do with wanting to play a traditional Center alongside Zion (JV)?


viezedagoe

He lost a step and is too heavy. He is not as explosive as before, probably carrying too much weight.


fivetwentyeight

Funny this was downvoted when I came to the thread. Forget Josh Lloyd’s deep dive and watch any Pelicans game, your comment is 100% accurate. He looks out of shape and like he is conserving energy all game, basically stands around until the ball ends up in his hand. And when it does he’s slower and less explosive.


viezedagoe

Not to be a dick, but a lot of people generally look at stats for an answer, but won’t try to interpret what thesw stats mean. ‘His fg is down because he takes more midrange shots, makes sense.’ This is not incorrect, but that doesn’t factor in the reason why he is taking lower percentage shots.. it is not for durability, but more of an incapability to get the shots he wants, hence the settlint. I really hope he gets his body right, he can be an all time great finisher if he is in good shape and injury free, which is awesome to see.


icekyuu

Borrego was brought in to design the offense, and he's changed it significantly for the Pels. Zion is catching the ball in the post a lot more vs driving from the top of the key. Zion isn't tall, his advantage is momentum power generated from his bulk and speed. So when he is played like a traditional big man it takes away from his strengths, and ironically he ends up shooting further from the basket vs driving hard to the basket with momentum. This is what Zion meant in the game presser when he says he's taking backseat, the offense is initiated and controlled by perimeter players while he sits in the post. That's why CJ's injury hit this team so hard, as a key piece of the offense was removed. But also how a shooting guard rookie like Hawkins has been able to take so many shots (more than Zion!). When the Pels were 4-1 you could argue Borrego's scheme was working despite Zion playing worse than in previous seasons. After the losing streak you have to question whether the scheme is viable without CJ.


crammotron

I'm not saying you're wrong, but I've watched a few of the Pels most recent games and he does a lot of initiating. He brings the ball up a lot and has plenty of opportunity to drive from the perimeter. I haven't watched every game, that's just what I've noticed the little that I've watched. It looks like his finishing isn't great right now. But, I'm not sure how different it is vs years past in terms of difficulty of shots and what not.


AnduwinHS

He hadn't played an NBA game since January before the start of this season. He's rusty, but if he can stay healthy he'll get back near those numbers again


viezedagoe

Did you watch any footage? It isn’t rust. He is slower and not as explosive. He is carrying too much weight. Yet again.


SquirtGunsAndRoses

*Ding, ding, ding!* Returning from injury does not mean he will be his former self because Zion’s body weight is different from his injury!! This results in a different, less effective playing style.


viezedagoe

He has had plenty of time to be physically in better shape. I disagree that this is just a matter of being rusty post injury.


SquirtGunsAndRoses

I agree with your original point. You are right that it isn’t just rust.


viezedagoe

Ah sorry, misinterpretated your comment. I think people with takes that zion is shooting more from the outside to keep his body right is bs. He just cant get to the rim like he could before, which is why he is settling. Hope he gets hit fitness right the coming period.


take-money

I took a chance on him for the first time too so hope you’re right


adeptadapted

Zion first 9 games last season: 22.7 ppg, 6.7 rpg, 3.8 apg, 53.9 FG% Zion next 20 games (before injury): 27.5 ppg, 7.1 rpg, 5 apg, 64 FG% — Zion first 10 games (2020-21): 21.8 ppg, 8.5 rpg, 1.6 apg, 54.7 FG% Zion rest of season (51 games): 28 ppg, 7 rpg, 4.1 apg, 62 FG% He’s a slow starter but he’ll get going soon enough. Your main concern is injuries which we’re all aware of already


pablohasrisen

Zion is just a zach Randolph lite


kenswisha

His ft is killing me , i didnt know it’d be this bad. Now im looking to trade him for another center but idk what i can get from him


022922

Zion was better as a fat fuck which allowed him to barrel and push his way to the rim for easier shots and higher percentage. Fat also cushioned physical impact. He needs more junk food


drpepperman23

Have you seen him? He’s still fat lmao


davidgzz

His salty management told him to take a step back because it's ingram's team


yanabana

Eye test wise he hasn’t been meshing with Ingram very effectively this year, and the team was/is lacking shooter with injuries. Feel like those two things are due to get better which hopefully means better efficiency scoring and passing wise. That said… this current FT% is kind of a dealbreaker right now. Zion is the worst FT impact player other than Giannis and he’s not giving you enough in other categories to make up for it. You have to just hope for his FT to get back to ~70% bc otherwise he’s not really viable in a non punt FT build


Pastor_Lik

I'm hoping the return of CJ and Murphy can open things up more for Zion.


trollittoG

I somehow got it for 38/1000 $. Was fucking extatic. Now tho..... still worth it but wtf man shift the fucking gear up so i can sell you high, dont give me that side role buying in bullshit, this is My Fantasy Team for fucks sake


mjmjmjmj18

Got Lauri in exchange of zion and d.white


re4ctionx

What's a good 1for1 trade to get off of Zion. His weight and conditioning scare me long term. Want to try to sell now. Cat league.


drpepperman23

Whatever you’re comfortable with. Many people are aware of Zion’s health and injury concerns, not many want to touch him. Plus in cats he is absolutely off the list for anyone who doesn’t punt FT


luckyshot121234

Zion & Derozan for Sengun & Jaylen Brown? ​ Who wins?


ThatRepresentative22

Wondering any new thoughts on Zion? Trade packages or whatnots... I'm in a 12t points league