CrazyNotCrazie
Member
I had on TNT last night and while they were showing Hornets highlights, the announcers, Chuck in particular, kept joking "I thought he was hurt?" The whole situation seemed to really energize him.
Blue Devils in the NBA 2024-2025
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JasonEvans
Host, The Duke Basketball Roundup
It is worth noting that Zion is on a minutes restriction since coming back from injury in January. Last night he played 30+ minutes, the most he has played since November. On the season he is averaging just 28.2 mpg.
If he played a more normal load, the way the best players on other teams do, his stats would pop a good bit more. He is third in the league in points per minute to SGA and Giannis. The Pels have been praising him lately for being in great shape.
He's just got to find a way to stay healthy and play 65+ games on a consistent basis. He can be one of the best players in the league and we all know it.
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From earlier in the week.
Bleacher Report on Instagram: "Last night, Zion became 3rd fastest active NBA player (203 games) to reach 5K career PTS 👀 Special. 👏"
474K likes, 4,270 comments - bleacherreport on February 22, 2025: "Last night, Zion became 3rd fastest active NBA player (203 games) to reach 5K career PTS 👀 Special. 👏".
www.instagram.com
Mtn.Devil.91.92.01.10.15
Member
Zion isn't yet 25 years old. There's still a chance that he leaves his mark on the NBA for the next decade.
He doesn't really profile as the type of American post player who would reach the elite levels there. He did play there for a bit though and most recently went on the China-Puerto Rico circuit, which also pays well.
He got married over the summer so it might have made more sense to spend this year in the United States at least. Even when G League salary was lower, there were plenty of players who would alternate between that and overseas to balance making money with another NBA opportunity.
Lot of people sold their Zion stock way too early. Who knows if he'll be able to string it all together for a sustained period of time, but when he's on, there's no better show in the sport.
Speaking of shows, last night Paolo had 41 points (including 4-10 from deep), 6 boards, and 5 assists against the Warriors. Unfortunately for Orlando, washed up old man Steph Curry went for 56 (12-19 on threes) and Golden State won by 6.
Speaking of shows, last night Paolo had 41 points (including 4-10 from deep), 6 boards, and 5 assists against the Warriors. Unfortunately for Orlando, washed up old man Steph Curry went for 56 (12-19 on threes) and Golden State won by 6.
With Zion the question will always be availability. No one questions his ability on the court just the gamble of him getting on it. Joel Embiid was lucky that they started the 65 games played threshold for awards later in his career otherwise he would be considered in the same breathe.
grad_devil
Member
@bluedevilwildcats posted this in the general NBA thread, but I think it belongs here, too:
Kyrie tore his ACL and will be out the remainder of the season:
ESPN Story
Kyrie tore his ACL and will be out the remainder of the season:
ESPN Story
bundabergdevil
Member
Oh no. At his age, with his style of play, he might return a very different player.
And don't forget about the Mavs brilliantly timed decision, announced yesterday, that they were raising ticket prices. At the same time you already have your fan base storming the gates over the absurd Luka trade. Could a franchises be more tone-deaf?
AGDukesky
Member
Gafford too. This season went to @&$#% quickly- my only consolation would be falling to the lottery and miraculously getting the #1 pick…
SouthernDukie
Member
A real shame with Kyrie. As was mentioned above, he may never be the same player again.
simplyluvin
Member
So heartbreaking for Kyrie, and honestly Mavs fans. This new ownership might get tarred and feathered with the trade and raising ticket prices. Jeez
CrazyNotCrazie
Member
It would be a true miracle. Their lottery odds now will be roughly 1-2% and are unlikely to get much better as they have won too many games and there isn't much time left - if the stars "aligned" they might get up to a 6% chance. Crazier things have happened though...
AGDukesky
Member
While you’re at it why don’t you give me a nice paper cut and pour lemon juice on it!
Kyrie was fouled on the play and hit both of his free throws with a torn ACL before leaving the game.
Kyrie, at age 32 (33 later this month) and with substantial injury history was playing the most minutes of anyone in the league since the (insane, incompetent) Luka trade. Indefensible. Mavericks are basketball terrorists. Kyrie has a player option this summer. I hope he exercises it, collects his $50 million dollars, spends the entire season recuperating on the Adelsons' dime, and finds a good environment in 2026 free agency to spend his basketball golden years.
Kyrie, at age 32 (33 later this month) and with substantial injury history was playing the most minutes of anyone in the league since the (insane, incompetent) Luka trade. Indefensible. Mavericks are basketball terrorists. Kyrie has a player option this summer. I hope he exercises it, collects his $50 million dollars, spends the entire season recuperating on the Adelsons' dime, and finds a good environment in 2026 free agency to spend his basketball golden years.