The tweet about his passing had nothing to do with the article lol..well it was naysayers but it wasnt the writers words
No, they're not the same for sure. But remember this about Elton:
Listed at 6'9" (or 6'8") 254#; National player of the year as a sophomore at Duke (injured for a good part of his freshman year); stats his sophomore year were 17.7 pts/game, 9.8 rebounds, and 2.2 blocks
First player selected in the NBA draft and averaged 20 points and 10 rebounds as a rookie
A great run/jump athlete? no, but outstanding strength and quickness with sure hands, good moves and a presence on defense, too
There are some similarities with Elton, but like other great players, Zion is unique in many ways.
roy, I remember Elton has huge hands. Maybe the largest of anyone I've seen play at Duke. I can't remember the publication but there was a picture of one of his hands that covered the entire page and it was a large page. Yes, those were sure hands as well. A great Duke player. GoDuke!
That's right, it was part of an amazing "block/catch" of a UK shot - and go - threading the improbable pass from about mid court - I think. IIRC it was Jay Bilas' most emphatic "are you kidding me" moment of the broadcast...
So:
A: But all he can do is dunk and
B: yeah, we saw Elton do that all the time...
Last edited by HereBeforeCoachK; 02-08-2019 at 07:55 AM.
This was going to be my comment (hand size).
NBA scouts love to analyze a player's metrics and the intangibles (such as wingspan). At the pre-draft camp (per DraftExpress), Elton Brand measured 6-8.5 without shows, 6-9.5 with shoes and 68 ¼ without shoes, with an incredible 7-5.5 wingspan and 9-2 standing reach.
While I could not find the specific measurements of Brand's hands, it had been noted that Jahlil Okafor had huge hands, close in size to those of Brand. Okafor was presumed to have a hand length of 9.5 inches (the average hand length for a male is 7.4 inches) and a hand span/spread of 11.25 inches (the average male's hand span is 8.5 inches). And as we know, Okafor could famously hold 13 tennis balls in one hand.
For all his athletic and basketball gifts, I think ultimately what makes him a "generational" player is his mentality and humbleness.
He just infects his teammates and plays the game the right way. No complaining. No I'm a real wanker for saying this.I'm a real wanker for saying this.I'm a real wanker for saying this.I'm a real wanker for saying this. talking. Just straight up hard work and outworking folks on the court.
Off the court he is a model citizen and someone you just want to be around. He also genuinely loves to play the game! Honestly, enjoy it while we can. This year has flown by so quickly already. I can't remember a time when a team was this fun to watch and with such a likeable star.
Looks like David Thorpe, who usually doesn't start watching college guys until closer to draft time, has started watching some film...
@coachthorpe
Zion Williamson is why NBA teams are tanking. 1) Best prospect since LeBron. 2) Physical dominance of @Shaq @russwest44 @kingjames, + disposition to do so. 3) Heart-most amazing thing about @zionW32 highlights is they happen all the time.
I saw Barkley in person at Auburn-I was a frosh at UF. Ever wonder how good Charles Barkley would have been at 19 yrs old if he was in great shape then? Zion is that, but way taller and longer. I think he is quicker too-and I called Charles the Dream Team MVP
As prospects go, already having the perfect pro body is an easy way to relax fears when determining upside. Imagine if Giannis looked like he does now back when he was in the draft. Same player but this body and he goes top 3.
Some Hall of Fame Players needed a good franchise/coach around them to reach their full potential I think Tim Duncan was one of them. Kawhi and Draymond too (not Hall of Fame yet of course). LeBron, Giannis are guys who would be elite anywhere. Zion is in that rare air.
Zion is going #1 overall and whomever gets the 2nd pick is going to be deeply upset. That's how special he is, because there are some other gems in this class.
I was very high on Ben Simmons as a defender when he was entering the league. I think he can be Defensive POY one year. I don't see Zion reaching that level but he can be an all-league defender, an on and off the ball impact guy.
I certainly agree that Zion is a strong defender. I don't think he's gotten enough credit for that this year, other than for his blocks. He's great defending guards at the three point line and he's also becoming a very good help defender. That to me is what separates him from the other amazing OADs at Duke in the last decade.