Landon Buford
New Orleans Pelicans All-Star Zion Williamson has been on a tear this season. He is averaging 26.8 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game in 52 appearances this season. Last night against the New York Knicks, he scored 34 points, nine rebounds, and five assists in a loss.
Many have compared to the young star to NBA legend Shawn Kemp. This week, Brandon ‘Scoop B’ Robinson had Kemp’s former teammate NBA Champion and Hall of Famer Gary Payton on the Scoop B Radio Podcast. During their chat, Robinson asked Payton about the comparison between WIlliams and his former teammate ‘The Reign Man.’
“Very much. Me and Shawn talk about this all the time. We had an interview about this, and people were telling who reminds you of this guy, and YES, HE DOES! I think the only thing that Zion doesn’t have but Shawn had was that mid-range jump shot and really good,” said Payton.
“I think Shawn was a better free throw shooter but as in height wise and getting to the bucket you know, it was cool. Now I don’t know if Zion is going to be the defensive player that Shawn turned into after a while but right now, that’s the young Shawn Kemp of the NBA. The way he’s playing right now…sheeiiit, he’s gettin’ 30 a night every day! So I think he’s going to be real good.”
Shawn Kemp played 13 seasons in the NBA including seven seasons in Seattle, including helping to lead them to the NBA Finals in 1996 alongside Gary Payton. They would lose to the Bulls in six games.
