Scottie Pippen says Zion Williamson should ‘shut it down’ until NBA draft

[mktmaker]

Perhaps the most mind-boggling feat performed by Zion Williamson is that he’s somehow managed to exceed the considerable hype he generated as a human-highlight-reel high school player. It’s not just that the 6-foot-7, 285-pound forward has continued to throw down electrifying dunks at Duke, but he’s also demonstrated a well-rounded game that has, by general acclaim, made him the front-runner to be the No. 1 selection in June’s NBA draft.

In fact, at least one basketball Hall of Famer thinks that Williamson has proven all that he needed to at the college level and should begin making plans for the pros — immediately. That was the opinion offered Tuesday by Scottie Pippen, who said that if he were the Blue Devils star, he would “shut it down.”

“I would stop playing, because I feel that he could risk a major injury that could really hurt his career,” Pippen said on ESPN’s “The Jump.” The six-time NBA champion with the Bulls added of Williamson, “I think he’s definitely going to be the No. 1 pick."

https://www.washingtonpost.com/spor...-pippen/?noredirect=on&utm_term=.ca922fc72d8b

 

[ThreeToMakeTwo]

I agree.

 

[PhxFiveOh]

All things considered, I wouldn’t blame him.

 

[kmathum]

Perhaps the most mind-boggling feat performed by Zion Williamson is that he’s somehow managed to exceed the considerable hype he generated as a human-highlight-reel high school player. It’s not just that the 6-foot-7, 285-pound forward has continued to throw down electrifying dunks at Duke, but he’s also demonstrated a well-rounded game that has, by general acclaim, made him the front-runner to be the No. 1 selection in June’s NBA draft.

In fact, at least one basketball Hall of Famer thinks that Williamson has proven all that he needed to at the college level and should begin making plans for the pros — immediately. That was the opinion offered Tuesday by Scottie Pippen, who said that if he were the Blue Devils star, he would “shut it down.”

“I would stop playing, because I feel that he could risk a major injury that could really hurt his career,” Pippen said on ESPN’s “The Jump.” The six-time NBA champion with the Bulls added of Williamson, “I think he’s definitely going to be the No. 1 pick."

https://www.washingtonpost.com/spor...-pippen/?noredirect=on&utm_term=.ca922fc72d8b

absolutely. guys like him only go to college because they have to. it's a farce.

 

[ORG]

Perhaps the most mind-boggling feat performed by Zion Williamson is that he’s somehow managed to exceed the considerable hype he generated as a human-highlight-reel high school player. It’s not just that the 6-foot-7, 285-pound forward has continued to throw down electrifying dunks at Duke, but he’s also demonstrated a well-rounded game that has, by general acclaim, made him the front-runner to be the No. 1 selection in June’s NBA draft.

In fact, at least one basketball Hall of Famer thinks that Williamson has proven all that he needed to at the college level and should begin making plans for the pros — immediately. That was the opinion offered Tuesday by Scottie Pippen, who said that if he were the Blue Devils star, he would “shut it down.”

“I would stop playing, because I feel that he could risk a major injury that could really hurt his career,” Pippen said on ESPN’s “The Jump.” The six-time NBA champion with the Bulls added of Williamson, “I think he’s definitely going to be the No. 1 pick."

https://www.washingtonpost.com/spor...-pippen/?noredirect=on&utm_term=.ca922fc72d8b

So, what would be his most productive position as a pro, PF? SF?, does he create a new blended position?

 

[TommyCracker]

That's called the Vonleh

 

[TR32]

Sickening. If a player did that and I was coach I'd immediately kick him off the team and take his weight/ training privileges away immediately. Goodbye!

I'm going to remind you guys that college athletic exist for the betterment of the scholar athlete, to represent a school in intercollegiate competition, and to bring accolades to a school. There has never been anything about taking a one year major in "NBA". People don't seem to get that. Athletics is a reflection of the school and it has to be that way.

 

[IDontWannaLargeFarva]

Sickening. If a player did that and I was coach I'd immediately kick him off the team and take his weight/ training privileges away immediately. Goodbye!

I'm going to remind you guys that college athletic exist for the betterment of the scholar athlete, to represent a school in intercollegiate competition, and to bring accolades to a school. There has never been anything about taking a one year major in "NBA". People don't seem to get that. Athletics is a reflection of the school and it has to be that way.

Zion's one year in college is serving the betterment of a lot of people. Least of all Zion.

 

[IU Scott]

Sickening. If a player did that and I was coach I'd immediately kick him off the team and take his weight/ training privileges away immediately. Goodbye!

I'm going to remind you guys that college athletic exist for the betterment of the scholar athlete, to represent a school in intercollegiate competition, and to bring accolades to a school. There has never been anything about taking a one year major in "NBA". People don't seem to get that. Athletics is a reflection of the school and it has to be that way.

This is just like these kids in football who doesn't play in the bowl game and that infuriates me. These kids are on a football scholarship and that means for every and not just the regular season. if you are hurt that is fine but not to play just because of the draft is terrible in my mind.

 

[kkott]

Zion's one year in college is serving the betterment of a lot of people. Least of all Zion.

Least of all Zion... really?

So he'd have been better off not playing at all? Without Duke? Do people switch off their brains when typing, or just like to make a controversial statement to generate conversation? Producing a little more value than you "get" is a basic tenet of business... if we aren't all "getting screwed" just a little, then we are failing our employers and yes, a college scholarship is a business transaction. Obviously it has to work in favor the the institution, but he is getting far from screwed over. Finally, he didn't have to go to Duke... he could have played overseas or taken the new deal the G league is offering, so he has no one to "blame" but himself for his poor state of affairs. Fortunately I think Zion recognizes this more than you and some others.

 

[ufo33]

This is just like these kids in football who doesn't play in the bowl game and that infuriates me. These kids are on a football scholarship and that means for every and not just the regular season. if you are hurt that is fine but not to play just because of the draft is terrible in my mind.

College has one main purpose. To prepare you for your professional career. College has done this for Zion. College has done this for NFL top draft choices. Football especially has a higher risk factor playing in a bowl game that could end your career. Jaylon Smith of Fort Wayne, Indiana had a catatrophic knee injury in a bowl game with nerve damage thst could have ended his Professional career before it ever started. Before the injury the Butkus Award Winner as the nations top LB in HS and college was a top 5 draft choice but after injurt in the bowl game he dropped down, where the Dallas Cowboys took a chance on him. Possible pro players see Jaylon as an example of the high risk of playing just "one more game" in a college football bowl game. So yes, if this was me or my son, i would have to give it some thought as a college football player if the risk is worth it.

 

[chaboom]

At the end of 2013, Under Armour had a 0.35 percent market share of basketball shoe sales, selling only $30 million worth of product, but following an MVP and championship year from Curry, sales jumped 754 percent last season, pushing Under Armour into second place in the shoe market behind only Nike. That’s almost exclusively thanks to the Curry One, and Under Armour recently showed their appreciation by extending Curry’s deal through 2024. The terms of that deal were undisclosed, but knowing what UA offered Durant a year ago, and knowing that Curry got equity in a company that clearly is on the rise, it’s a fair stretch to venture that when everything is all said and done Curry will be making more shoe money than Durant.
Note: Durant is estimated to be making $30 million per year from Nike.

Zion is becoming one of the most well known basketball players in the world on the big stage at Duke. A shoe endorsement contract is coming that will dwarf the guaranteed rookie contract money which alone is about $6 million per year for the #1 draft pick.

 

[Courtsensetwo]

This simply demonstrates the need to stop this collegiate farce in any sport. Let extreme kids go straight to the league or to their own development league.

This is only going to expand as athletes and their families act in the fact that they need to protect their assets.

 

[Courtsensetwo]

At the end of 2013, Under Armour had a 0.35 percent market share of basketball shoe sales, selling only $30 million worth of product, but following an MVP and championship year from Curry, sales jumped 754 percent last season, pushing Under Armour into second place in the shoe market behind only Nike. That’s almost exclusively thanks to the Curry One, and Under Armour recently showed their appreciation by extending Curry’s deal through 2024. The terms of that deal were undisclosed, but knowing what UA offered Durant a year ago, and knowing that Curry got equity in a company that clearly is on the rise, it’s a fair stretch to venture that when everything is all said and done Curry will be making more shoe money than Durant.
Note: Durant is estimated to be making $30 million per year from Nike.

Zion is becoming one of the most well known basketball players in the world on the big stage at Duke. A shoe endorsement contract is coming that will dwarf the guaranteed rookie contract money which alone is about $6 million per year for the #1 draft pick.

None of which is lost if he would go straight to the NBA. In fact, going straight in secures his future as one awkward landing at Duke severely alters or ends it all. Protect your assets.

 

[VanPastorMan]

College has one main purpose. To prepare you for your professional career. College has done this for Zion. College has done this for NFL top draft choices. Football especially has a higher risk factor playing in a bowl game that could end your career. Jaylon Smith of Fort Wayne, Indiana had a catatrophic knee injury in a bowl game with nerve damage thst could have ended his Professional career before it ever started. Before the injury the Butkus Award Winner as the nations top LB in HS and college was a top 5 draft choice but after injurt in the bowl game he dropped down, where the Dallas Cowboys took a chance on him. Possible pro players see Jaylon as an example of the high risk of playing just "one more game" in a college football bowl game. So yes, if this was me or my son, i would have to give it some thought as a college football player if the risk is worth it.

I've got great respect for Jaylon. He has bounced back from his setback. That kid is just a good linebacker. One question I have is if these kids start to shut it down even before the end of the season would this keep college coaches from going after them?

 

[VanPastorMan]

At the end of 2013, Under Armour had a 0.35 percent market share of basketball shoe sales, selling only $30 million worth of product, but following an MVP and championship year from Curry, sales jumped 754 percent last season, pushing Under Armour into second place in the shoe market behind only Nike. That’s almost exclusively thanks to the Curry One, and Under Armour recently showed their appreciation by extending Curry’s deal through 2024. The terms of that deal were undisclosed, but knowing what UA offered Durant a year ago, and knowing that Curry got equity in a company that clearly is on the rise, it’s a fair stretch to venture that when everything is all said and done Curry will be making more shoe money than Durant.
Note: Durant is estimated to be making $30 million per year from Nike.

Zion is becoming one of the most well known basketball players in the world on the big stage at Duke. A shoe endorsement contract is coming that will dwarf the guaranteed rookie contract money which alone is about $6 million per year for the #1 draft pick.

I saw a youtube video on him before they played IU. The truth is Zion is just a good kid. He treats his little brother very well and is a down to earth guy. LoL It almost upset me that I liked him so well because I knew what he could do to my Hoosiers.

 

[IDontWannaLargeFarva]

Least of all Zion... really?

So he'd have been better off not playing at all? Without Duke? Do people switch off their brains when typing, or just like to make a controversial statement to generate conversation? Producing a little more value than you "get" is a basic tenet of business... if we aren't all "getting screwed" just a little, then we are failing our employers and yes, a college scholarship is a business transaction. Obviously it has to work in favor the the institution, but he is getting far from screwed over. Finally, he didn't have to go to Duke... he could have played overseas or taken the new deal the G league is offering, so he has no one to "blame" but himself for his poor state of affairs. Fortunately I think Zion recognizes this more than you and some others.

Zion is producing a lot more value than he's getting, not just a little. If he were in Corporate America, he would be able to switch jobs and and be fairly compensated.

The NBA/ CBB structure as it is now, is not a free labor market. It's closer to indentured servitude. Since you have such a great business acumen, surely you can recognize that.

Maybe you prefer to being under-compensated, although I doubt that is possible given what I've seen from you on this board.

The G league offering didn't go into effect until two weeks ago, so no Zion wasn't eligible. That was dumb of you to bring up. The overseas notion is also bunk because no recruit of Zion's stature is going to be willing to fall off the map during the most important year of basketball in their life.

In short, your post is a self-contradictory disaster.

 

[PhxFiveOh]

It seems absurd to get bent out of shape over a player trying to make the best personal decisions within a messed up system. It's not his fault that he couldn't go straight to the Show...for which he is clearly already prepared. And it's not his fault that, with the options available, college basketball provided him the best option to gain more exposure and improve his skills during his mandated waiting period. Duke has gained enormous exposure (like they needed any more) from him being on campus. It's not some virus/host situation. It's a symbiotic relationship. I'm sure Coach K weighed the pros/cons and possible scenarios before offering him. College basketball is an amazing opportunity for thousands of young men and women, but there are still those outliers, like Zion, where the better option would be to circumvent it if allowed to.

 

[chaboom]

There's no question that people who follow college basketball and recruiting saw Zion's highlight videos. But playing college ball at Duke especially in the NCAA tourney and Final Four which is a odds-on likelihood will elevate his name recognition and fan following. In the bidding war for his endorsement deal, those things having been demonstrated will far up the ante over signing straight out of hs, after playing the G-league or somewhere overseas.

 

[IU Scott]

It seems absurd to get bent out of shape over a player trying to make the best personal decisions within a messed up system. It's not his fault that he couldn't go straight to the Show...for which he is clearly already prepared. And it's not his fault that, with the options available, college basketball provided him the best option to gain more exposure and improve his skills during his mandated waiting period. Duke has gained enormous exposure (like they needed any more) from him being on campus. It's not some virus/host situation. It's a symbiotic relationship. I'm sure Coach K weighed the pros/cons and possible scenarios before offering him. College basketball is an amazing opportunity for thousands of young men and women, but there are still those outliers, like Zion, where the better option would be to circumvent it if allowed to.

Once you make that commitment you should stick with it and not quit during the season

 

[IDontWannaLargeFarva]

Once you make that commitment you should stick with it and not quit during the season

What about your commitment to leave the Basketball board and never come back.

Did you keep that?

 

[TommyCracker]

Zion is producing a lot more value than he's getting, not just a little. If he were in Corporate America, he would be able to switch jobs and and be fairly compensated.

The NBA/ CBB structure as it is now, is not a free labor market. It's closer to indentured servitude. Since you have such a great business acumen, surely you can recognize that.

Maybe you prefer to being under-compensated, although I doubt that is possible given what I've seen from you on this board.

The G league offering didn't go into effect until two weeks ago, so no Zion wasn't eligible. That was dumb of you to bring up. The overseas notion is also bunk because no recruit of Zion's stature is going to be willing to fall off the map during the most important year of basketball in their life.

In short, your post is a self-contradictory disaster.

Meh

It's an NBA rule so any slavery/servitude/penance bs you want to spout off about is directed to them.

Zion could have sat out and waited a year like Pippen is saying to do now but...Zion likes the exposure that the college game gives them.

You said it yourself, recruits don't go overseas because they don't want to fall off the map...which means they value the exposure.

In reality it effects maybe 5 to 10 players a year.

Let them go NBA.

 

[ufo33]

I've got great respect for Jaylon. He has bounced back from his setback. That kid is just a good linebacker. One question I have is if these kids start to shut it down even before the end of the season would this keep college coaches from going after them?

No, getting to bowls pays their contract with money back to the respective schools. IU needs to get out their wallet and buy a bowl level coach and the school will recoup the increased salary by higher ticket sales, bowl revenue, increased merchandice and concession sales, and free advertisement on National TV getting IU's name out there, across the country.

 

[ufo33]

absolutely. guys like him only go to college because they have to. it's a farce.

Don't have to. They can play overseas.

 

[jsig]

Those bowl games that are skipped are primarily a lead in to the next season and taking place a couple of weeks after the fall semester ends. It gives the team an opportunity for another month of practice and maybe a big game experience to take momentum into the following year . When it is time to move on it is time to move on. So what if the kid moves on and turns the page from his college days and the Cheribundi Tart Cherry Boca Raton Bowl (2017-). For those in bowl games that are the playoff games, I don't see any kids bypassing those games.

 

[TR32]

Zion's one year in college is serving the betterment of a lot of people. Least of all Zion.

He is on the big stage. That costs money. Least of all to him because he pays nothing to be on the big stage. It is his springboard and it allows him to prove he can do his thing against the nations best young players. It is a fantastic deal for a kid so long as his family is at least making ends meet back home. They don't have to wait long for the pay day anyhow and they get ro put an academic cherry on top of the education/basketballums upbringing process. It's outstanding.

If getting injured is on the foremost mind of these kids I might ask them what their value is if they didn't just score 27 points against UNC or whomever, but rather some low level AAU team that doesn't play defense.

 

[VanPastorMan]

No, getting to bowls pays their contract with money back to the respective schools. IU needs to get out their wallet and buy a bowl level coach and the school will recoup the increased salary by higher ticket sales, bowl revenue, increased merchandice and concession sales, and free advertisement on National TV getting IU's name out there, across the country.

Would it be the same for the NCAA Tourney in Basketball? Coaches will want to get those kids at least through one year because they all have a vested interest. I guess my question really is if all these top kids do what Pippen says and shut it down, how would these coaches handle getting these kids in the first place?

 

[TR32]

Once you make that commitment you should stick with it and not quit during the season

Sounds reasonable. In this day and age it is less and less common though. People want to get to "the league" as young as possible and with the least amount of work as possible. Keeps getting worse.

 

[Hoopsdoc1978]

Zion is producing a lot more value than he's getting, not just a little. If he were in Corporate America, he would be able to switch jobs and and be fairly compensated.

The NBA/ CBB structure as it is now, is not a free labor market. It's closer to indentured servitude. Since you have such a great business acumen, surely you can recognize that.

Maybe you prefer to being under-compensated, although I doubt that is possible given what I've seen from you on this board.

The G league offering didn't go into effect until two weeks ago, so no Zion wasn't eligible. That was dumb of you to bring up. The overseas notion is also bunk because no recruit of Zion's stature is going to be willing to fall off the map during the most important year of basketball in their life.

In short, your post is a self-contradictory disaster.

Lol. “Closer to indentured servitude”.

Now THATS hyperbole.

 

[ThreeToMakeTwo]

Zion has the easiest job in the world. He’s in college where he needs keep his grades in good standing for one semester. The basketball season ends before the second semester.
Girls, girls, girls.
Limelight and a place to show off his skills.
He could have gone straight to the NBA from high school and been a starter.

 

[ThreeToMakeTwo]

No, getting to bowls pays their contract with money back to the respective schools. IU needs to get out their wallet and buy a bowl level coach and the school will recoup the increased salary by higher ticket sales, bowl revenue, increased merchandice and concession sales, and free advertisement on National TV getting IU's name out there, across the country.

Thank you.

 

[Hoosierdaddy16]

Man it must be a rough life to nearly be nfl lineman size with Lebron athleticism.

 

[Columbus-Boiler]

Sickening. If a player did that and I was coach I'd immediately kick him off the team and take his weight/ training privileges away immediately. Goodbye!

I'm going to remind you guys that college athletic exist for the betterment of the scholar athlete, to represent a school in intercollegiate competition, and to bring accolades to a school. There has never been anything about taking a one year major in "NBA". People don't seem to get that. Athletics is a reflection of the school and it has to be that way.

That would be true if they were ALLOWED to go pro after HS, but the way it is they are simply forced to go to college. It's ridiculous.

 

[TR32]

That would be true if they were ALLOWED to go pro after HS, but the way it is they are simply forced to go to college. It's ridiculous.

They aren't forced to go to college.

 

[TR32]

No, getting to bowls pays their contract with money back to the respective schools. IU needs to get out their wallet and buy a bowl level coach and the school will recoup the increased salary by higher ticket sales, bowl revenue, increased merchandice and concession sales, and free advertisement on National TV getting IU's name out there, across the country.

I actually think they should declare 100 years of terrible football to be long enough and join the MAC conference for football only.

 

[coachv jr]

Sickening. If a player did that and I was coach I'd immediately kick him off the team and take his weight/ training privileges away immediately. Goodbye!

I'm going to remind you guys that college athletic exist for the betterment of the scholar athlete, to represent a school in intercollegiate competition, and to bring accolades to a school. There has never been anything about taking a one year major in "NBA". People don't seem to get that. Athletics is a reflection of the school and it has to be that way.

i appreciate the reminder

 

[coachv jr]

College has one main purpose. To prepare you for your professional career. College has done this for Zion. College has done this for NFL top draft choices. Football especially has a higher risk factor playing in a bowl game that could end your career. Jaylon Smith of Fort Wayne, Indiana had a catatrophic knee injury in a bowl game with nerve damage thst could have ended his Professional career before it ever started. Before the injury the Butkus Award Winner as the nations top LB in HS and college was a top 5 draft choice but after injurt in the bowl game he dropped down, where the Dallas Cowboys took a chance on him. Possible pro players see Jaylon as an example of the high risk of playing just "one more game" in a college football bowl game. So yes, if this was me or my son, i would have to give it some thought as a college football player if the risk is worth it.

college didn't prepare zion for the nba. he came to duke nba ready

 

[coachv jr]

It seems absurd to get bent out of shape over a player trying to make the best personal decisions within a messed up system. It's not his fault that he couldn't go straight to the Show...for which he is clearly already prepared. And it's not his fault that, with the options available, college basketball provided him the best option to gain more exposure and improve his skills during his mandated waiting period. Duke has gained enormous exposure (like they needed any more) from him being on campus. It's not some virus/host situation. It's a symbiotic relationship. I'm sure Coach K weighed the pros/cons and possible scenarios before offering him. College basketball is an amazing opportunity for thousands of young men and women, but there are still those outliers, like Zion, where the better option would be to circumvent it if allowed to.

no reason to feel sorry for zion. i'm sure coach k made certain zion is the highest paid college player

 

[SuperHoosierFan]

This is just like these kids in football who doesn't play in the bowl game and that infuriates me. These kids are on a football scholarship and that means for every and not just the regular season. if you are hurt that is fine but not to play just because of the draft is terrible in my mind.

Easy to say when you don’t potentially have millions and millions of dollars on the line.

 

[IU Hardcore]

Sickening. If a player did that and I was coach I'd immediately kick him off the team and take his weight/ training privileges away immediately. Goodbye!

I completely agree.
Feel free to correct me if I'm wrong, but doesn't it usually go something like this. " I will give you a full year of free education (along with all the other perks that come with being on the Basketball team) in exchange for you playing basketball for me for one full basketball season." ??