Is Zion Williamson living up to the hype already in the preseason?

The Zion Williamson hype is real, but let’s see what he can do when the games count

Is the Zion Williamson hype real? Does he have too much hype already in the preseason? Questions. Is he more celebrity than basketball phenom? We’ve heard these questions pervade social media, television sports, and other basketball entities. However, most NBA fans reading this might assume the opposite of what I’m asking. You might hear these words. ” HE IS LIVING UP TO THE HYPE.”

Seven words of potential controversy. In the preseason? We’ve seen the electrifying dunks. Impeccable. If you ask me what my thoughts are about the 19-year-old rookie, it’s plain and simple.

Live up to the hype.

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Live it up like a six-year-old buying skittles at the candy store. Taste the rainbow. I’ll put it into perspective. If you’re that guy surrounded by hype, at some point you have to prove your worth. Worthy of being the best. Everyone in the NBA wants to be the best. But what separates you and the guy guarding you? The spotlight. Everybody wants the spotlight.

Zion is more celebrity than basketball phenom. An endorsement deal with Jumpman at 19? Legit. We’re talking about Air Jordan. A shoe that became ubiquitous before Zion touched the hardwood. More importantly, I’m waiting for”Air Zion’s.” You’ll see more additives to the resume soon. It’s pretty convoluted to answer.

If you’re the man, a 29-point game should feel like a shoot around, right? Maybe not. Too much hype for Zion? How? Before everyone became galvanized by the dunks and Zion’s other freakish moves, we have to remember that this kid had over a million social media followers prior to arriving at Duke. Coach K knew since day one how special this guy was. A one and done phenom. A grown man collegiately speaking. That’s already known.

Arguments have circulated around sports critics on whether Zion’s preseason performances will translate over to the regular season. It’s a little early. In terms of preseason hype, it’s incredibly early. Preseason games are normally played at the same pace as a pick-up game. Players aren’t exerting much energy during the first few weeks of October. Why exert so much during preseason games?

It’ll be imperative to see how he performs at normal NBA speed. A preseason game doesn’t define true skills. The inquisitiveness is pretty high for me. We’ll see in two weeks.

Subsequently, we also have to be cognizant of player comparisons. He’s not the next LeBron James. At least not yet. Physicality wise; the comparison is suitable. Overall skills? Not yet. Understand this, the hype LeBron James had coming out of high school was legitimate. Legitimate how? When you heard about the “Chosen One,” you knew he was a different breed.

LeBron’s high school basketball image showed the true meaning of hype. James wasn’t overrated. Most of the games he played at St. Mary’s were nationally televised. In essence, when the NBA regular-season games rolled around, LeBron lived up to the hype. Zion will have to do the same thing. Enough of the exasperating comments. Have you watched any of the New Orleans Pelicans preseason games?

Some probably have. We’re seeing the same explosiveness we seen at Duke. You can’t categorize each move, but some of Zion’s moves left me thinking, “Damn, 6-foot-7 285 pounds! I’m not jumping!” People didn’t jump to contest this kid in college, but the NBA? Different story. This narrative is more tough than sweet.

Does he need to get in better shape? Absolutely. For the purpose of game speed. That NBA speed is impetuous. This isn’t the NCAA. NBA courts; another story. Wider and broader with more spacing. If you spread the floor, Zion can go to work. He’s a player with superior instincts.

Too much hype? How much is too much? You can have too much of anything. But hype? That has to be proven. Not by critics; through your skills. Superior skills. Zion has that and more.

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It’s not about having too much hype. It’s about proving to yourself that you’re the man. We’re approaching the regular season. Forget the preseason. These games count. I’m ready to see Zion live it up this rookie season. Live up to the hype. Will he live up to the hype as a rookie? Nine words. A steal, one pass, and an alley-oop dunk. IT’S SHOWTIME.

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