Originally Posted by
ice-9
It's easy to discount Zion's historical season because the Pels are not a good team. He is now 96th percentile on offensive EPM, which is elite, and 70th on defensive EPM. He's no longer a bad defender, and in fact a significantly above average one. He is fourth in PER, scoring in ways people didn't think were no longer possible -- inside at an incredibly efficient rate. And he's only 20 years old!!
In my mind he's certainly a top 15 player, and probably a top 10 player. Imagine how much better he would be if he had good shooters around him.
Without those, teams can design defensive schemes exclusively around Zion. One of the podcasts I listened to (think it was the Ringer) mentioned reading another team's scouting report on the Pels and Zion was basically the only thing on that report.
The Pels are best when Lonzo is hitting shots, but the problem is Lonzo is not consistent. Some of it can be blamed on injuries but he's injured a lot.
You all know how I feel about the coach. But the team is also ill fitting.
Pels would do better with a Dave Bertrans or Kelly Olynyk instead of a Steven Adams and Jaxon Hayes.
Instead of Eric Bledsoe, a Seth Curry or Duncan Robinson or...a freaking JJ Redick.
Lonzo obviously has potential, but he's injured so often and can go on cold shooting slumps. With SVG's pace of play, Pels would be better served with a Mike Conley type. OK, maybe Conley is unrealistically good, but this team did have Jrue Holiday once upon a time and those two are about on par with each other. Look at how much better Jrue plays now that he's on a good team with a good coach.
With Bledsoe, Lonzo, Ingram, Zion and Adams, this team is actually well equipped to play a fast pace and run. But no, with SVG at the helm, this team plays slow and in the half court.
Maybe the blame should be put on the GM.