Zion’s explosiveness and motor make him an unparalleled prospect | 2019 NBA Draft Scouting Report

ESPN NBA draft analyst Mike Schmitz analyzes the strengths and weaknesses of Zion Williamson, whom he calls the most-hyped prospect of the one-and-done era. Schmitz says we’ve never seen a physical specimen quite like Williamson, but the former Duke Blue Devils superstar does share similar qualities to former NBA All-Stars Charles Barkley and Larry Johnson. In his scouting report, Schmitz points out that Zion’s skills, motor and basketball IQ make him an ultra-skilled shot creator and electric mismatch maker. Schmitz also points out that Zion may be known for his explosive high-flying dunks, but he has the makeup to be an equally devastating defender as he gains experience.
✔ Subscribe to ESPN on KZbin: es.pn/SUBSCRIBE...
✔ Subscribe to ESPN FC on KZbin: bit.ly/SUBSCRIB...
✔ Subscribe to NBA on ESPN on KZbin: bit.ly/SUBSCRIB...
✔ Watch ESPN on KZbin TV: es.pn/KZbinTV
Exclusive interviews with Rachel Nichols urlzs.com/jNURe
Stephen A. Smith on ESPN urlzs.com/W19Tz
ESPN on Social Media:
► Follow on Twitter: / espn
► Like on Facebook: / espn
► Follow on Instagram: fespn
Visit ESPN on KZbin to get up-to-the-minute sports news coverage, scores, highlights and commentary for NFL, NHL, MLB, NBA, College Football, NCAA Basketball, soccer and more.
More on ESPN.com: www.espn.com

[@marcosmercedesn]

This video is like a trailer for a superhero movie

[@mhj626]

@Rodzilla tell that to the box office records that avengers made and the money ncaa was making off of Zion.

[@maxmulliner5162]

jahiem jenkins that doesn’t mean that avengers wasn’t boring at parts

[@gunsgiftsgalleries7711]

Zion - " I'm going to be a Knick!" 3 inch circular ping pong ball " I'm about to end this man's whole career"

[@emperortalk-a-lot-sports8577]

didn't see any ping pong balls so fail

[@dorethafuller-evans8928]

That's right tell them where your going!!! No punking!!!!

[@darrelljones3965]

GunsGiftsGalleries lmaooo

[@Cole10Kay]

Or save his career from Dolan's wrath

[@stevengiles1253]

Zion very fortunate the Pels won the lottery Knicks are horribly ran franchise with a terrible owner.

[@tm7517]

I don’t know why it’s so satisfying to me to see Zion’s success. I remember first watching him on KZbin in like 2016. This unknown player, who was playing against inferior competition, but whose athleticism jumped off the screen to me. I remember sending his KZbin videos to others saying this kid is a huge freak athlete. There was some doubt of his potential because of the level of competition. It wasn’t until John Wall said that’s one of the top two or three athletic players he’d ever seen, that I figured oh wow this young man will be awesome in college and maybe make the nba. My first thought when I saw Zion was he is reminds me of a young explosive Charles Barkley. I remember after his first official game with Duke against Kentucky and the debate was about who was better between him and RJ Barrett, and I remember posting don’t be foolish Zion is much much better than RJ and it’s not close. That’s when I knew he’d have the impact of at least a young Blake Griffin in the nba with the potential to the best player in the nba. And to see him play those 19 nba games, it is almost certain that if he stays healthy, he will be a top two or three player in the nba and maybe win an mvp.

[@LL-rc2ol]

oooh

[@Shealyy]

So we're just gunna act like barkley was 250lbs? Yea maybe at 13 years old.

[@GeronFletcher]

Lance Shealy at his best he was but yeah he was over 300 at times lol

[@powerboatguy2308]

Barkley was 300 pounds when he was 18,, Zion is like the Philly Version of Charles, a little taller with longer arms-

[@Crusher103]

When he was in his prime and pretty much unstoppable he was 250lbs. Now a days though lol

[@kingjimmybofall3823]

@@powerboatguy2308 and worse knees

[@GZQ9]

Lance Shealy haha

[@Alexanderthepraised9]

6'7 with a estimated 6'11-7' wingspan 🔥

[@itsyoobiiEman]

Lakers won 37 games and still got a top 4 pick 😭😭😭😭😭😭

[@jerrykwerve8660]

Lebron

[@Ariel.94]

It's a message from the NBA, so the teams stop losing on purpose

[@MAGACOPP]

Maximiliano so you’re saying it’s rigged?

[@vjettas5241]

MAGACOP the bulls won 33 games the year they got Derrick Rose lol it’s rigged bro

[@kaysnow5567]

No point. It’s practically a one man draft. Getting the 4th pick is like getting the 7th

[@E-Man5805]

The melt from all the people that don't care about New Orleans or felt their precious big market team deserved him more or whatever...it's just my elixir of life. Even if we do blow another superstar, I'm just so happy Zion is all ours!

[@Jsimm100]

+E-man5805 Exactly. We deserved Zion more than any of those big market teams. We didn't purposely tank like them we just played and let the results take place as they may. Also we might be losing our franchise player in AD so getting Zion makes up for that and how the lakers/LBJ/Klutch Sports tried to shake us down for AD. We Deserve The #1 Pick!

[@sahardedabdulkadir8660]

Jsimm100 I honestly think Zion will embrace us and put us on the map

[@Jsimm100]

@@sahardedabdulkadir8660 I Agree. He's a Southern kid so he will be use to the South. New Orleans will embrace him and he'll love living here. He can be the King of The City without all the hassle of the big cities like NY, LA, CHI.

[@oldirtybastard2343]

Jsimm100 I promise if he’s anything like he’s projected to be, he will be the face of New Orleans once Drew Brees retires.

[@Jsimm100]

@@oldirtybastard2343 #Truth I Agree.

[@etrayde]

Zion had the look on his face like he’s about to ask the Pelicans for a trade too.

[@marcosmercedesn]

Can't blame him

[@martinagutierrez3639]

Hes like fuck im staying at duke another year

[@torrancelouis9645]

He's staying, different team, great GM and leadership, new owner technically and more. If he did but to where the Knicks? The most dysfunctional franchise ever who probably won't get FA now this summer? Plus the Pelicans could trade AD to the knicks for the the 3rd pick and get his bestfriend Barret in the draft. Or he could go to the Lakers so he can be second fiddle to LeBron who really wants AD more, if he goes to LA they'll have a great team around Zion. It's really a great situation.

[@harissahab2743]

Pelicans are about to be stacked, they’re set for the future.

[@ottofinster5852]

Sounds more like the reveal of the next Avenger than a draft prospect.

[@jayraider521614]

He's far closer to Larry Johnson but so many people don't know just how good Larry was before Larry Injured his back. Larry would have been a HOF had he not got injured. Zion is a more explosive version of Larry with better ballhandling.

[@Jsimm100]

+jayraider521614 So True. Larry was a straight beast on all three levels (High School, College and Pros) only injuries cut his career short. I see Zion as a slightly more athletic version of LJ

[@rubinturner8233]

Yes!

[@LiqCharles]

I’ll admit I’ve been skeptical about him. Seeing this video made me realize that he is a franchise center piece. If I’m NO, I m perfectly happy who build a team with him

[@ShervonFakhimi]

90th percentile as a transition.... BALLHANDLER. 1.31 PPP on post-ups. Damn good passer. Switchy w/anticipation/instincts (5th best steal percentage). 34% shooter. My God

[@blunar808]

They tried to tell me homie was just a dunker lol that sound like a BALLER to me

[@noone-qu5ec]

Next season is going to be very exciting. Hope this guys live up to the people's expectations.

[@freshestinclass763]

Word ima have to see him in thw league for a few games to have an opinion.

[@jclsystems1634]

This is a Great Video Assessment of Zion.... With that being said.... ONCE, not if, Zion develops a mid range jumper and consistent 3Ball..... The Pelicans Will Be NBA Champions!!! GUARANTEE!!! WE THE SOUTH!!! 🔥🔥🔥💯💪🏾

[@KJ-yn8pr]

Man he HAS to drop down to about 265. He will still be a monster

[@freshprinceshaun]

TheReal6God I agree

[@AlphaDwg]

TheReal6God i don’t think he can. None of it is bad weight though which is the crazy thing

[@johnnyoldenjr.]

@@AlphaDwg yea he looks like its natural kind of like bo jackson who daid he hardly even lifted weights but was always jacked

[@briancultice1024]

Larry Johnson is an excellent comp

[@LiifeWithShaq]

This kid is special been following him for awhile. Cant really compare him to anybody.

[@0401412740]

Really enjoyed the scouting reports

[@FakeGoatDebateReferee]

Zion is Thick Jordan. Best jumping package since MJ, best hangtime and hops since MJ, best aerial body control and creativity since MJ. Zion will destroy the cream puff rules and show you how far the league has fallen. Teams will have to load up on defense again. This is the real deal folks.

[@RealEstateMover]

Yo thank you I been saying this lol the league is so soft now he will have an easy transition

[@zerogeass21]

He ain't Steph. If you can't shoot, you're useless.

[@mac4u2k6]

Thick Jordan? *pause* 😑

[@Dazumu]

I dont think so

[@mosescarter5980]

zerogeass21 what?

[@thenbalovesdp]

Knicks fans right now... 😭 😭 😭

[@eggy718]

Damn that hurt

[@kendricconley5790]

Yal are awesome keep doing these!!!!

[@doesntmatter6453]

Zion to Pelicans may convince AD to stat. Zion, Jrue and AD should def attract a free agent too. wow.

[@E-Man5805]

Don't concern yourself with that line of thinking. Anthony Davis isn't going to make a logical decision. He's going to make an emotional one. Also one led by Rich Paul and Klutch. He's going to try to force his way to LA...but the Pels will make the best trade for the team. Be it New York, Boston, to the Clippers, whomever.

[@meredithleavitt5815]

Why would this convince ad to stay? Lol We wants to win now not in 4 years when zion is finished developing

[@E-Man5805]

That's an awfully big assumption that during that interim period, Zion won't be able to contribute to a winning organization.

[@reyb1649]

Dam you New Orleans. This dude would have been great in Atlanta playing with our superstar point guard that looks like El Dabarge.

[@gfrank87]

Rey B 😂🤣😂🤣

[@itsyoobiiEman]

Lakers really about to package that #4 pick and send it for AD wow I’m glad Adam Silver rigged the lottery for us

[@trip2belize]

If it were rigged they would have given them the number one pick you dumb ass nigga

[@ElCap1van]

Lmao he really want money by gettn LA On the map and Lebron a champion ship team

[@mrpoopybutthole2269]

gimme that kitty why give them the #1 pick when all they want to do is win now hence why a #4 pick can get it done

[@trip2belize]

And Griffin isn't going to help a team with LeBron on the roster. He's going to keep Zion to entice AD to resign with them. I swear some of you niggas just don't use common sense, couldn't be me.

[@trip2belize]

@@mrpoopybutthole2269 bro what???? Please learn how to properly construct a sentence.

[@jaf6423]

I had my doubts about how he would translate the the nba, but im sold as of late Draymonds body, but as athletic as lebron. Also has shown insane passing, dribbling, and finishing ability at his age. As long as he stays healthy hes going to be a freak

[@0-Elias-0]

Dear Mike Scmitz, Please fix your microphone. It sounds like you produced this in your bedroom. I had to stop watching after 2 minutes.

[@camerongipson94]

Your loss

[@clw5382]

Who cares about the commentary. Give me Zion highlights on mute any day!!

[@johng9562]

Great player with one vital concern: injury. At 285lbs, how much abuse (leaping, twisting, contorting, dodging, and lunging) will his knees take? Developing his shot NOW while he is young is VITAL to the long-term success we all want to see him have.

[@BigDominoakaGerard]

heck yes , great comparison at the beginning. not enough mention of LJ. davis should have played one year with him atleast.

[@Ace7XX]

Jesus, you'd think ESPN would have better audo for their clips

[@inanewtongue2881]

Man I wish Zions body goes back to his college days where he surely could all this off

[@Silligk]

I'm really hyped to see him in the nba, we shall see what he can do

[@shaokhan4421]

It's like shaq and Kobe had a baby

[@pfunk3697]

This dude is a fuckin beast💪🏽💯

[@keefrohansteve5764]

So Zion is basically Thanos 🤔

[@therealbs2000]

PLEASE STAY HEALTHY ZION - Signed, everyone

[@jokes881]

nah, he has bad feet, and weight. he done.

[@DL-dj9mn]

Dude you should be a comic book writer

[@eggy718]

The behemoth lmfaoo this dude is OP

[@23chicco]

what i like about zion is his ability to jump both with one leg and two legs. this is not so common among jumpers world.

[@MrJeffying]

Plz don’t get injured. Like Greg oden, or Blake griffin

[@尼古拉斯-c5v]

16 years ago，you said the same to Lebron.James. But he is also in his prime right now.

[@greatest599]

No he’s not

[@AlphaDwg]

What are you talking about? Don’t get your point

[@chrisludwig4729]

He looks like the real deal, but his weight and landing habits make me worried about injuries. Still be thrilled to draft him.

[@doesntmatter6453]

Nobody saw that coming. And all the people that wanted to trade that pic for AD can't.... Cause their on the same team! 😭

[@dickbuttkiss4616]

They still might take a top 3-4 pick if AD is going to leave and one of those teams is his preferred destination. If AD wants to go to the Knicks and plays with another star I can see the Knicks giving up the 3rd pick and Zion and RJ reuniting or playing with Ja in a crazy athletic combo

[@10tkind]

Lakers honestly are big winners from this draft. The Sport Gods also gave the Pelicans the top pick to make up for the Saints getting screwed over.

[@knowledgeseeker4116]

WhoDat!

[@andrealert302]

Zion will be fine. Better pray Pat Beverly doesn't come after him. Zion's big selling point is his explosiveness. One Beverly trip and be could be limited to jogging down the court while Lonzo and Ingram are on the fast breaks.

[@greggee9062]

Wow. @5:25, he brings the ball up, picks up his dribble, eyes the defender and begins dribbling again. I thought that was called traveling.

[@allstarmh5]

Got the pass from RJ then got the pick.

[@jaybrown3341]

This aged well didn't it💪🏾💪🏾

[@ParampamIm]

yeah, hes injured

[@georockmann7113]

@@ParampamIm being injured doesn't invalidate the scouting report. He was an all star when he last played so yeah it did age well

[@shaokhan4421]

"Overlooking Zion on the draft would be like not picking Michael Jordan"-jerry west (paraphrased)

[@greatstate58]

hope he meets all his goals good luck.

[@尼古拉斯-c5v]

NBA league is soft right now，this young man will dominate the NBA in long time.

[@nsn27]

His knees giving up in his first 2 years

[@itsyoobiiEman]

Man it’s teams that won like 20 games and still didn’t get a top 4 pick

[@doesntmatter6453]

Hard lesson to learn about tanking lol

[@bootygang3144]

@@doesntmatter6453 it might not be tanking the hawks tried almost all season long and got cucked also odds are odds whether they are by tanking or not

[@juanmercedes1956]

Michael Jordan, Shaquille O'Neal, Iverson, Charles Barkley, Scottie Pippen, Patrick Ewing, Steve Kerr, Robinson, LeBron James, Kobe Bryant wrapped up into one. "Zion" He's only 19 and growing. It's like watching Mike Tyson and Cus D'Amoto.

[@rick_santana]

The espn hype machine is the setup for the let down.

[@NeRa101]

He can be guarded from paint, he doesnt have jump shot at any range, all he can do is to dunk, power forwards just need to stop him coming under basket, and he is relaying too much on his physical abillites, but if he stays healthy and improve jump shot, he will be terrific, but to develop jump shot is hard job, we can see it on examples like Simmons, Lonzo, Fultz. He wont be this much dominant against grown up people, and players with experience how to draw fouls ect. He will probably be doubled occasinaly so passing abillity is big plus for him

[@Kirby_ethan02]

Said that about bron

[@jonz23m]

Here is a detailed video about his strengths. How about refuting his points instead of just talking out of your ass?

[@jonz23m]

@@NeRa101 only that he is not a point guard and the paint in the modern NBA is a joke. Shooting is only relevant in the playoffs and nobody expects him to do playoff runs anytime soon. Mybe actually Watch the video before commenting the dude literally answered all your surface level criticisms.

[@jlascala03]

Nemanja Radojicic you clearly have only seen his dunk highlights bc he has an amazingly soft touch under the rim and he would pull up from 3 if he’s open you make it seem like he’s shaq zion is underrated for his shooting

[@dh8479]

back to the basket, he spins to the right and dribble with the left hand 9 out of 10 times he's probably an upgraded Draymond Green, one with slightly better handle

[@dickbuttkiss4616]

Upgraded draymond? Draymonds more of a gritty defensive minded, pass oriented PF that's gets some clean up buckets and easy pick and roll rim runs but Zion has a better handle, better at absorbing contact, way better at attacking, a bigger shooting threat although they both aren't great. The only comparison is their body sizes really.

[@kingjimmybofall3823]

knees gonna be oatmeal hoisting that 300 pd. frame in the air all season

[@Von_Bouttabag]

I watched every game 👀 condition wasn’t a problem at all

[@rocthaice]

Darvon Wells I guess he means at his size with his motor in a 82 game season. Rookie wall might hit him hard if he doesn’t pace himself

[@bizman45390]

Congratulations to New Orleans a little soothing for the Super bowl robbery blown call

[@inanewtongue2881]

Bro if giannis is a long freak. This guy is thanos like gigantic

[@macxavier168]

Every non-New Orleans Pelican or Pelicans fan should be praying to whatever higher power they believe in that this kid doesn't become a consistent outside shooter. Because if he does, he'll be the best player in the league in about 6 or 7 years.

[@souljackmusic]

I got scared watching this vidéo how he desribes it , i started thinking zion is made from thé govenmnet à robot

[@virajmali1783]

0:15 travel?

[@enterbenz2859]

Zion is just buffed athletic draymon green.

[@KJ-yn8pr]

enterbenz why cus he black af

[@Shawnpimpin601]

I need what you're smoking

[@joshuaakpana4247]

Honestly Zion reminds me of Draymond Green but with way more upside on both ends

[@KJ-yn8pr]

Joshua Akpana i agree

[@HowBeTOP]

I just can not wait to wathc her first NBA show.

[@porterporter7603]

The Greatest Talent & Prospect I Ever Seen , No Exaggeration❗️He’s A Matchup Nightmare

[@bootygang3144]

Um what are you smoking he isnt even the best player in his own class morant is he fits much more in todays nba with his 3 point shot and playmaking

[@porterporter7603]

booty gang Are You Dusted ? Ja Morant Has To Answer To A Point Guard Dominant League 💯 Every Night Is A Different Marquee Matchup , He’ll Have More Struggles Than Zion Fa Sho

[@mikejay328]

All I see is that Zion is a athletic version of both Boogie and Julius Randle

[@GZQ9]

Why is Charles Barkley’s wingspan not applicable?

[@Dis_broad_loud_in_every_movie]

Sucks AD is gonna be gone

[@mikejay328]

Not true because Nola had numerous occasions to give AD help and nothing to show for it

[@hilyfe01]

Lol ur name

[@leetraviusmckay2919]

Imagine trading kp to the mavs and still not getting the first pick and not getting kd or kyrie

[@XenEditz-e8d]

imagine If Zion Becomes The Biggest Bust Ever lmaoo

[@mikejay328]

Anthony Bennett is just one to mine too

[@JaysBestDeals]

Wouldn't be surprised

[@judahbaruch9355]

Anybody who thinks that is a moron its not even something worth talking about cause ray Charles can see he will be very good

[@dickbuttkiss4616]

@@judahbaruch9355 it's not guaranteed yet, he still has a lot of development needed before he gets there, right now he's just an insane prospect with insane athleticism but he doesn't have the skills just yet. It depends how he grows under the pelicans and if he stays healthy. I do believe he can flourish under the pelicans but nothing is guaranteed.

[@Seibonn]

Moving like that at 285 !

[@stephenasmith6932]

Zion and AD!!!!!!!!!!!

[@xfuegoxmusic8850]

Charles is 6'6"

[@321boatsandhoes]

Does anybody else think the phrasing is kinda weird?.... "specimen" "as advertised"

[@leonardtapang7521]

a freak of nature....

[@monkeeee]

Why is his neck so long in the thumbnail lmao

[@xXSprMgaAwsmFxyHtXx]

dude has never had to pull up in his life, lmao

[@aneppanda9606]

Damn I’m hella sad that he not playing for Knicks😭

[@mr.a1285]

5:23 is it just me or was that travel.

[@tuanngnt]

Yeah right then major injury in the first year. Rule of thumb, too much pump; then the dump.

[@shawnclark5428]

Work on them zion

[@dillonmoon6439]

So many adjectives!!!!

[@xXSprMgaAwsmFxyHtXx]

Shaq was Shaq cuz he was like this plus he was 7'2"...not saying he's gunna be a bust or anything but he's not a center, he won't get the best out of his game at center at least, he is a SF/PF

[@sebastiancarnegie9524]

Dam zion is gonna be the GOAT with MJ

[@PostMelvz]

I hope he has good knees, i see Rose's explosiveness in him

[@emmanuelgethers6843]

Help Defense Needs To Be There When He Gambles He Will Use His Motor To Get Back On Defense

[@giorgosrinokos3304]

02:01 out of the way referee

[@leetraviusmckay2919]

Zion × Ad for the pelicans

[@TheVP_SSBU]

Welcome to the Pels.

[@Jsimm100]

WELCOME TO THE BIG EASY!

[@nykia31]

I'm not watching basketball anymore.

[@clapdrix72]

NBA made a mistake not rigging the draft - everyone would have understood. Now the kid's in Louisiana with a fuckn pelican on his jersey.

[@christophercorkern3365]

Screw u u are a ugly prick

[@JaysBestDeals]

Draymond green w lebron's athleticism and size

[@judahbaruch9355]

Lebron is not the athlete Zion is at all

[@dickbuttkiss4616]

@@judahbaruch9355 LeBron back in the old Cavs and Miami days was around this calibur of athlete lmao. Zions heavier but y'all forget what Bron was. Before zion, LeBron was the biggest freak athlete we've seen since wilt.

[@rynolascavio3381]

Still not sure Zion isnt going to be much different than Blake Griffith at the NBA level.

[@powerboatguy2308]

agree, he will not be as good as barkley, more like blake.

[@kingofeverything2159]

This guy has an unfathomable physical advantage over anyone ever LMAO

[@meredithleavitt5815]

Huh? Deandre ayton was just as impressive a physical specimen as zion is

[@georockmann7113]

@@meredithleavitt5815 Not really. Zion has the body of an NFL player and the mobility of a point guard with the athleticism of LeBron. DeAndre Ayton is impressive but he's not all that

[@josephtezeno2217]

He could fix his shooting form if his shoulders weren't so damn big

[@theballereli]

3rd most exciting number 1 pick EVER with LeBron being number 1 by far

[@MustafaKhan-fz1go]

Nah, this is.

[@lk7831]

Mustafa Khan you!re obviously young

[@MustafaKhan-fz1go]

LK #joke

[@ronnyjoe230]

Yall want that number 4 pick to go with?👀

[@alphatrusbensiii8381]

Pelicans better draft Zion #1

[@ChreamOhWheat]

Glad Adam silver didn't make it an accomplishment to tank just to get the #1 pick