• Promotions
    • Sportsbook Promos
      • $1000 First Bet On Caesars
      • Bet365 Bet $1 Get $365
      • DraftKings Bet $5 Get $200
      • FanDuel Bet $5 Get $200
      • BetMGM Bet $10 Win $200
    • Social Casino Promos
      • LuckyLand Slots No Deposit Bonus
      • Fortune Coins No Deposit Bonus
      • Chumba Casino No Deposit Bonus
      • Stake.Us No Deposit Bonus
      • High 5 Casino No Deposit Bonus
    • Casino Promos
      • Caesars No Deposit Bonus
      • BetMGM No Deposit Bonus
      • Unibet No Deposit Bonus
    • DFS Promos
      • ParlayPlay No Deposit Bonus
      • OwnersBox No Deposit Promo
    • State Promos
      • AZ Sportsbook Promos
      • CO Sportsbook Promos
      • IA Sportsbook Promos
      • IL Sportsbook Promos
      • IN Sportsbook Promos
      • KS Sportsbook Promos
      • KY Sportsbook Promos
      • LA Sportsbook Promos
      • MA Sportsbook Promos
      • MD Sportsbook Promos
      • MI Sportsbook Promos
      • NJ Sportsbook Promos
      • NY Sportsbook Promos
      • OH Sportsbook Promos
      • PA Sportsbook Promos
      • TN Sportsbook Promos
      • VA Sportsbook Promos
      • WY Sportsbook Promos
  • Sports
    • MLB
      • MLB Best Bets
      • MLB Betting Sites
      • MLB Betting Promo Codes
      • MLB Odds
      • MLB ATS Standings
    • UFC
      • UFC Best Bets
      • UFC Betting Promo Codes
    • NFL
      • NFL Betting Sites
      • NFL Betting Promo Codes
      • NFL Odds
      • Super Bowl 58 Odds
    • CFB
      • College Football Promos
      • College Football Odds
      • CFB Team ATS Standings
      • Bowl Schedule
    • NBA
      • NBA Betting Sites
      • NBA Betting Promos
      • NBA Odds
      • NBA Team ATS Standings
    • CBB
      • Best NCAAB Bets Today
      • March Madness Promos
      • Conference Tournament Betting
        • ACC Tournament Betting
        • Atlantic 10 Tournament Betting
        • BIG 10 Tournament Betting
        • BIG 12 Tournament Betting
        • Big East Tournament Betting
        • Mountain West Tournament Betting
        • SEC Tournament Betting
        • West Coast Conference Betting
      • College Basketball Odds
      • College Basketball Team ATS Standings
      • College Basketball Promos
    • NHL
      • NHL Odds
      • NHL ATS Standings
    • Golf
    • Tennis
    • Soccer
    • CFL
    • WNBA
  • Sportsbooks
    • US Sportsbooks
      • Bet365
      • BetMGM
      • Caesars
      • DraftKings
      • FanDuel
      • BetRivers
      • SuperBook
      • Tipico Sportsbook
      • PointsBet
      • SI Sportsbook
      • Unibet
    • States
      • Arizona
      • Colorado
      • Connecticut
      • Illinois
      • Indiana
      • Iowa
      • Kansas
      • Louisiana
      • Massachusetts
      • Maryland
      • Michigan
      • New Jersey
      • New York
      • Ohio
      • Pennsylvania
      • Tennessee
      • Virginia
      • Wyoming
    • Pending States
      • Kentucky
      • North Carolina
      • Florida
      • Vermont
      • Maine
  • DFS
    • Underdog Fantasy
    • ParlayPlay
    • OwnersBox
    • DraftKings DFS
  • Casinos
    • Casino Reviews
      • BetMGM Casino
      • Golden Nugget Casino
      • Unibet Casino
      • Borgata Casino
      • Betway Casino
      • Party Casino
      • Tipico Casino
      • WynnBet Casino
      • Bet365 Casino
      • Wheel of Fortune
      • FanDuel Casino
      • DraftKings Casino
      • Caesars Casino
      • BetRivers Casino
    • No Deposit Bonuses
      • Caesars No Deposit Promo
      • BetMGM No Deposit Promo
      • Borgata No Deposit Bonus
      • Wheel of Fortune Casino No Deposit
      • Bet365 No Deposit Bonus
      • Golden Nugget No Deposit Bonus
      • Unibet Casino Free $10
      • BetRivers Casino No Deposit Bonus
      • PA Casino No Deposit Bonus
      • NJ Casino No Deposit Bonus
      • MI Casino No Deposit Bonus
    • Best Casino Bonuses
    • States
      • New Jersey Casinos
      • Pennsylvania Casinos
      • Michigan Casinos
  • Social Casinos
    • Social Casino Reviews
      • Stake.us
      • Hard Rock Social
      • Chumba Casino
      • BetRivers.Net
      • WOW Vegas
      • MyJackpot.com
      • Fortune Coins
      • Pulsz Casino
      • LuckyLand Slots
      • Golden Hearts Games
      • High 5 Casino
      • Pulsz Bingo
    • Best Sweepstakes Casinos
    • Instant Win Sweepstakes
    • Sweeps Cash Casinos
    • Sweepstakes Casino Apps
    • Sweepstakes Slots
October 19th, 2019

Pelicans stud Zion Williamson isn’t ready for the NBA regular season

Ren Richards Ren Richards

The 1st overall pick in this year’s NBA draft has been backed by more hype than any player since King James himself. Zion Williamson has certainly caught the eye of casual and serious basketball fans alike with his superhuman athleticism and powerful dunks during his single season at Duke University.

There’s no question that Zion has the talent to be a force in the NBA, but it’s starting to look like he won’t be able to continue playing the way he did at Duke. After just 4 preseason games, the rookie phenom has already been declared out for at least the first few weeks of the regular season. He missed the Pelicans’ preseason closer against former Duke teammate RJ Barrett and the New York Knicks due to what was originally reported as knee soreness.

The Pelicans performed testing on Williamson to determine just how serious the knee problem actually is. For now, they are indicating that it is not a serious injury, but they are ruling Zion out for the first few weeks of the regular season. This is extremely alarming for a 19 year old that has yet to play a real NBA game to be missing time due to injury and overuse.

New Orleans has indicated that the extended absence is simply to be overly cautious. This is definitely a smart approach considering how Zion’s play style and body type simply do not mesh well for long term success. As dominant as Zion was in college and in preseason games, he does now have a history of multiple injuries to his knees. At Duke he sprained his right knee, then missed almost the entire Summer League with left knee soreness.

Standing at 6’7, it appears that Zion is simply too heavy at 285 lbs for his current style of pogo-stick athletic basketball. For reference, legend Charles Barkley is a close comparison in terms of athletic ability and size. He weighed just over 250 lbs during his playing days, a solid 30 pounds below Zion. Barkley is also 6’6, making him similar to Williamson in stature.

Looking at current players with insane athleticism, LeBron James is one that certainly fits the bill. However, he weighs just 250 lbs and is also an inch taller than Zion. Additionally, LBJ literally spends millions per year just to keep his body in shape.

This means that there is literally nobody in history that has shared Zion’s crazy athletic ability while also carrying that much weight. Unfortunately for him, this is a huge precursor to a career shortened by knee injuries if he doesn’t change something, and fast. If Zion wants to have a long and successful career, he must either limit his athleticism and/or drop around 20 lbs.

Williamson’s preseason performances have made it clear he is definitely the best player on his team and still the favorite to win Rookie of the Year. However, if he becomes injured and/or requires load management (aka missing games for rest), then someone like #2 overall pick Ja Morant or #3 overall pick RJ Barrett could steal the award away simply due to Zion not playing enough games.

It certainly isn’t too late yet for the stellar 19 year old, but whether or not he has managed to lose weight before his return and what happens in the first few weeks afterwards will tell a big story as to how the whole season will play out for Zion.

Previous article

NBA preseason games shouldn’t change your betting choice

Next article

FanDuel Mobile App Goes Live In Indiana

Related Articles

los angeles lakers season preview
September 11th, 2023

Los Angeles Lakers 2023-24 Season Preview, Promo Codes, Bonuses & Futures Odds

los angeles clippers season preview
September 11th, 2023

Los Angeles Clippers 2023-24 Season Preview, Promo Codes, Bonuses & Futures Odds

best fiba world cup bets
September 5th, 2023

Best FIBA World Cup Bets Today: FIBA Basketball Picks For 9/6/23

×

 Subscribe to our newsletter

 

If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, and wants help, call or visit the Council on Compulsive Gambling of:

  • Gamblers Anonymous at 855-2-Call GA or www.gamblersanonymous.org
  • CO, DC, IL, IN, LA, MD, MS, NJ, OH, PA, TN, VA, WV or WY - Call 1-800-GAMBLER
  • AZ- Call 1-800-NEXT-STEP
  • IA - Call 1-800-BETS-OFF
  • KS, NV - Call 1-800-522-4700
  • MI - Call 1-800-270-7117 for confidential help
  • MA - Call 1-800-327-5050
  • NY- Call 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369)

PICKS & PREDICTIONS

  • NFL Picks
  • College Football Picks
  • NBA Picks
  • College Basketball Picks
  • NHL Picks
  • MLB Picks
  • UFC Picks

BETTING

  • Sportsbook Ratings
  • US Sportsbooks
  • Sportsbook Promos
  • BetMgm Bet $10 Win $200
  • Caesars Bonus Bet Offer
  • Online Casinos
  • BetMGM Casino
  • Ceasars No Deposit Promo

QUICK LINKS

  • ATS.io App
  • About Us
  • Betting FAQ
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Contact Us
2009-2023 ats.io, Inc.
sportsdata io
DMCA Protected
  • Promotions
    • Sportsbook Promos
      • $1000 First Bet On Caesars
      • Bet365 Bet $1 Get $365
      • DraftKings Bet $5 Get $200
      • FanDuel Bet $5 Get $200
      • BetMGM Bet $10 Win $200
    • Social Casino Promos
      • LuckyLand Slots No Deposit Bonus
      • Fortune Coins No Deposit Bonus
      • Chumba Casino No Deposit Bonus
      • Stake.Us No Deposit Bonus
      • High 5 Casino No Deposit Bonus
    • Casino Promos
      • Caesars No Deposit Bonus
      • BetMGM No Deposit Bonus
      • Unibet No Deposit Bonus
    • DFS Promos
      • ParlayPlay No Deposit Bonus
      • OwnersBox No Deposit Promo
    • State Promos
      • AZ Sportsbook Promos
      • CO Sportsbook Promos
      • IA Sportsbook Promos
      • IL Sportsbook Promos
      • IN Sportsbook Promos
      • KS Sportsbook Promos
      • KY Sportsbook Promos
      • LA Sportsbook Promos
      • MA Sportsbook Promos
      • MD Sportsbook Promos
      • MI Sportsbook Promos
      • NJ Sportsbook Promos
      • NY Sportsbook Promos
      • OH Sportsbook Promos
      • PA Sportsbook Promos
      • TN Sportsbook Promos
      • VA Sportsbook Promos
      • WY Sportsbook Promos
  • Sports
    • MLB
      • MLB Best Bets
      • MLB Betting Sites
      • MLB Betting Promo Codes
      • MLB Odds
      • MLB ATS Standings
    • UFC
      • UFC Best Bets
      • UFC Betting Promo Codes
    • NFL
      • NFL Betting Sites
      • NFL Betting Promo Codes
      • NFL Odds
      • Super Bowl 58 Odds
    • CFB
      • College Football Promos
      • College Football Odds
      • CFB Team ATS Standings
      • Bowl Schedule
    • NBA
      • NBA Betting Sites
      • NBA Betting Promos
      • NBA Odds
      • NBA Team ATS Standings
    • CBB
      • Best NCAAB Bets Today
      • March Madness Promos
      • Conference Tournament Betting
        • ACC Tournament Betting
        • Atlantic 10 Tournament Betting
        • BIG 10 Tournament Betting
        • BIG 12 Tournament Betting
        • Big East Tournament Betting
        • Mountain West Tournament Betting
        • SEC Tournament Betting
        • West Coast Conference Betting
      • College Basketball Odds
      • College Basketball Team ATS Standings
      • College Basketball Promos
    • NHL
      • NHL Odds
      • NHL ATS Standings
    • Golf
    • Tennis
    • Soccer
    • CFL
    • WNBA
  • Sportsbooks
    • US Sportsbooks
      • Bet365
      • BetMGM
      • Caesars
      • DraftKings
      • FanDuel
      • BetRivers
      • SuperBook
      • Tipico Sportsbook
      • PointsBet
      • SI Sportsbook
      • Unibet
    • States
      • Arizona
      • Colorado
      • Connecticut
      • Illinois
      • Indiana
      • Iowa
      • Kansas
      • Louisiana
      • Massachusetts
      • Maryland
      • Michigan
      • New Jersey
      • New York
      • Ohio
      • Pennsylvania
      • Tennessee
      • Virginia
      • Wyoming
    • Pending States
      • Kentucky
      • North Carolina
      • Florida
      • Vermont
      • Maine
  • DFS
    • Underdog Fantasy
    • ParlayPlay
    • OwnersBox
    • DraftKings DFS
  • Casinos
    • Casino Reviews
      • BetMGM Casino
      • Golden Nugget Casino
      • Unibet Casino
      • Borgata Casino
      • Betway Casino
      • Party Casino
      • Tipico Casino
      • WynnBet Casino
      • Bet365 Casino
      • Wheel of Fortune
      • FanDuel Casino
      • DraftKings Casino
      • Caesars Casino
      • BetRivers Casino
    • No Deposit Bonuses
      • Caesars No Deposit Promo
      • BetMGM No Deposit Promo
      • Borgata No Deposit Bonus
      • Wheel of Fortune Casino No Deposit
      • Bet365 No Deposit Bonus
      • Golden Nugget No Deposit Bonus
      • Unibet Casino Free $10
      • BetRivers Casino No Deposit Bonus
      • PA Casino No Deposit Bonus
      • NJ Casino No Deposit Bonus
      • MI Casino No Deposit Bonus
    • Best Casino Bonuses
    • States
      • New Jersey Casinos
      • Pennsylvania Casinos
      • Michigan Casinos
  • Social Casinos
    • Social Casino Reviews
      • Stake.us
      • Hard Rock Social
      • Chumba Casino
      • BetRivers.Net
      • WOW Vegas
      • MyJackpot.com
      • Fortune Coins
      • Pulsz Casino
      • LuckyLand Slots
      • Golden Hearts Games
      • High 5 Casino
      • Pulsz Bingo
    • Best Sweepstakes Casinos
    • Instant Win Sweepstakes
    • Sweeps Cash Casinos
    • Sweepstakes Casino Apps
    • Sweepstakes Slots