NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JUNE 20: Zion Williamson poses with NBA Commissioner Adam Silver after being drafted with the first overall pick by the New Orleans Pelicans during the 2019 NBA Draft at the Barclays Center on June 20, 2019 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
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Gary Payton Make Bold Zion Williamson Comparison

MADISON, NEW JERSEY – AUGUST 11: Zion Williamson of the New Orleans Pelicans poses for a portrait during the 2019 NBA Rookie Photo Shoot on August 11, 2019 at the Ferguson Recreation Center in Madison, New Jersey. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

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 thi必利勁 nk 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犀利士 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.

What do you think?

Written by Landon Buford

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