Sir Charles in Charge
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NBA Social: Welcome to the Zion Williamson show

By Alex Mcewen

New Orleans Pelicans small forward Zion Williamson (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
New Orleans Pelicans small forward Zion Williamson (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images) /
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Editor’s Note: This column was written prior to the death of Kobe Bryant, his daughter, and seven other passengers aboard a helicopter. Instead of changing the entire column, I left everything mostly intact except for the final paragraph. Rest in Paradise Mamba.

It was a historic week in the NBA, milestones were reached, eye-popping statistics were recorded, and Zion Williamson made his anticipated debut

The NBA is always exciting. With that said, some weeks provide better content than others, this week falls into the former category. The No. 1 overall pick in the 2019 draft Zion Williamson finally made his long-awaited NBA debut. Check out some of the best, posts, takes, and highlights from Zion’s big night below. Starting out with some pregame hype:

It’s Zion time

This will be cool

Pregame prediction

Premature statement

Gotta love the phantom cam

Impressive animation

Comments from the man of the evening

Stats

I wonder what they were talking about?

https://www.instagram.com/p/B7pYwp9I935/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Stats do not always tell the full story

Shane Young makes an excellent point here. Both players play two different positions, and not every player needs to shoot threes to be effective. Case in point, Russell Westbrook is a better player when he does not shoot threes, but more on that later.

Overreaction

Reality

ESPN Kinda Missed the Mark

*This is paraphrasing, these are not the exact comments used on ESPN during the Pelicans broadcast.

Learn Something New Everyday

This is getting out of hand

That was fast

NSFWL

More From Klopfer

Before moving on from Zion’s debut, here’s the scoop on Williamson; he played the first NBA game of his career, after not playing competitive basketball for literally months. This one game will not determine whether he is a star or a bust. In fact, one full season of basketball can not do that, before declaring his a future Hall-of-Famer or a player who will struggle to get a second contract, let’s see how the rest of the season pans out for the rookie.

Seems like a fair trade

The Zion Effect

Time flies by too fast

Free Agency is not LeBron’s biggest concern

https://www.instagram.com/p/B7ppnsNjJYk/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Could Oklahoma City have their second Sixth Man winner?

Building Schroder’s Sixth Man Case

Another Move for Dennis Schroder’s Sixth Man Portfolio

https://www.instagram.com/p/B7pqxO0gfQi/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Big Perk Agree’s

Unleash the Zubac

More NSFWL, but this idea is very fun

Perhaps Joakim Noah could still be a serviceable center

This could elevate Houston to contending status

Flopping is a smart strategy

Chris Paul is Such a Good Coach

I also owe the Thunder an apology

Let’s Go Dort

Pure Insanity

Fun stat from the Thunder’s win in Orlando; they pulled down zero offensive rebounds. This was the First time that has occurred in franchise history, and only the third instance this has occurred in league history since the NBA began tracking offensive rebounds.

The G-League is more fun to watch than college basketball

https://www.instagram.com/p/B7poGg6BvSS/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

This Would be Interesting

The Quality of National Announcers Has Declined

Multiple Announcers Complaints

Here’s one solution to the situation

Why Not?

This Trend MUST Continue

Pretty Much

If you are not already, give Brady Klopfer a follow on Twitter.

This Sounds Bad

This would have been a bad loss for the Rox

We Were Waiting…

Togetherness

Former Teammates Having a Friendly Conversation

https://www.instagram.com/p/B7sAcyWBNue/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Old-School Embracing New-School

https://www.instagram.com/p/B7sQWaBpPwu/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Stop Copying

https://www.instagram.com/p/B7ryKlgBh83/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

For context, Dennis Schroder and Steven Adams have been doing this routine since the preseason.

The Dolly Challenge

Would this really be a social column without the biggest trend on social media? If you are unfamiliar with this trend, check out the origin post by the legendary Dolly Parton here.

Here’s another version from the Thunder’s on-court MC Malcolm Tubbs

https://www.instagram.com/p/B7uZcLhBiR_/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Timeless Trash-Talk

Happy Anni

Father Time is undefeated, but Chris Paul is Amazing

NBA Players are Fascinating

Classic Boban

Steller Shaivonte

Yes you Kanter

https://twitter.com/shesforRussy/status/1219655927751680005?s=20

Is Enes Kanter bad at defense? The answer is a definitive yes. But, guess what a lot of players are, some superstars are bad at defense. Kanter should not be penalized for it, because his offensive prowess helps win ball-games, just ask the Portland Trail Blazers if they miss Kanter.

More Real Talk from Perk

FACTS

The Entertainments Here

Even Rockets Fans get fed up with James Harden

Profoundly Putrid

Dashing Dort

Sophomore Speaking like a Veteran

Chardler Parsons was once a productive player, this is such an unfortunate end

Solid Logic

Care to Explain Schedule Makers?

It Appears Bradley Beal and Kamiah Adams got engaged

Potential?

One of the NBA’s best success stories

Personally, I’ll take G-League Players over either of the below options

Interesting Debate

How a lot of OKC Thunder Feel

We’ve Got a trio of birthday’s this week, so Happy Birthday!

True

Still not a bust

Beastbrook

Westbrook’s ability to set his mind to something and then go out and achieve it is truly remarkable. It speaks to his determination and gifted athletic nature.

Should the still blow it up?

The Knicks can’t win

Chris Paul Should be an All-Star

The TNT Crew agrees

LeBron did it first, but Westbrook did it faster

https://www.instagram.com/p/B7j6tv-Ja7J/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Lillard is still a special player

https://www.instagram.com/p/B7kiCHcphKk/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

His Fellow Backcourt Mate Applauded Sub-Zero

https://www.instagram.com/p/B7kmH92lIeI/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Happy MLK Day

Kemba Finally Bests LeBron

The Beard Celebrates MLK Day, with a fitting quote

https://www.instagram.com/p/B7kP63EFFim/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

This Clippers x Thunder deal is looking better and better for OKC

Not because of chemistry issues. Because Kawhi is 28, George is 29, and both players have a lengthy injury history. Moreover, PG has missed eight and is expected to miss his ninth consecutive game due to a hamstring injury.

Pat Clears Things Up

Every rumor has a little truth to it, with that said from the outside looking in the Clippers look fine. They are breaking franchise records left and right, and they have used an astronomical number of various starting lineups. The LA Clippers will be just fine, so long as their health improves before April, May, and June.

Doc opines on the report

Their Chemistry Seems Fine

https://twitter.com/SLAMonline/status/1220849406498336768?s=20

This is a good question

Uncommon Sense

The Regular Season Doesn’t Mean Everything, but this is intriguing

Clutch

Had to include just one more

The Rockets Should listen to big Perk

Funny, not funny

Home is where the All-Star nod is

Words from Mr. Young

https://twitter.com/rayfordyoung/status/1220516976252137473?s=20

Hey Look Ma, I’m an All-Star

https://twitter.com/TheTraeYoung/status/1220515801427595264?s=20

I want to set the record straight, it is okay for a grown man or any man to cry. Last year, Rudy Gobert took a lot of criticism for shedding tears over not making the All-Star team. I liked seeing Gobert show his raw emotions, the feeling is mutual with Trae Young.

Thank you James

Trae Young discusses his All-Star selection

Pure Joy

ICYMI: Full-Starting lineups

Dre is still well-liked

He’s Not Wrong

https://www.instagram.com/p/B7mp2TOHX0A/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

#Twinning

Fun Debate

Taking in a little more G-League action

The first sign of a good neighbor

Basketball Junkie

Logo Lillard

Fans are Smart Too

https://www.instagram.com/p/B7tn-3jBbvS/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

LeBron James Hugs a Fan in the Crowd

https://www.instagram.com/p/B7pOoszp-A8/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

This Says Everything

Different Era

Opinions and Facts

Soaring Sophomore

Sports Radio Rocks!

Happy Chinese New Year, from Steven Adams

Shameless Plug from Gallo

https://www.instagram.com/p/B7pzny7Hyrt/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

All-Time Classic Photo

https://twitter.com/IStealYoBoard/status/1220821607721115649?s=20

NSFWL and a little pettiness from Draymond

He probably is not

Amazing Facial Expression

https://www.instagram.com/p/B7ui4lupBgI/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Watching a player every night can sway an opinion

The Westbrook Effect

Russ is rolling

If this continues the Rockets will be scary in the playoffs

MVP’s doing what MVP’s do

Little More context on Russ

It’s a challenge

We need answers!

The Grizzlies should not allow Iggy to play at this point

We are officially a basketball city

Why does this always happen to Russ?

Kawhi Finally Triple-Doubles

Typical Kawhi

It’s okay to care about statistics

Strong Chemistry

Stronger Defense

Dort in the rough

PLAYOFFS

Dr.Dion is in the BUILDING

Excellent argument

The Clippers are going to be fine

Trade Threads are fun

Have Another

https://twitter.com/mldiffley/status/1220716551202115587?s=20

BAM, BANG

https://www.instagram.com/p/B7ubiuhgKEW/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

The Peak of NBA Twitter

The Bucks are going to win it all

Vintage D-Rose

https://www.instagram.com/p/B7uV5C_IAxO/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Jarrett Allen is a gifted shot blocker

The Thunder have captured the Mayor’s attention

Nominee for Block of the Year

https://www.instagram.com/p/B7ulsJho3_e/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

A trip down memory lane

Moving up the ladder, congrats to The King

The Mamba has spoken

Kid’s are cute

https://www.instagram.com/p/B7uS-fUphYO/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

A father and his daughter

Kobe’s final tweet

Words of wisdom

https://www.instagram.com/p/B7uCTJilU5g/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

This week’s high note came courtesy of CJ McCollum. Everyone is going through something, regardless of your current struggle things can always improve. This statement could not be more accurate than right now.

NBA: Takeaways for all 30 teams at the midway point of the 2019-20 season. dark. Next

Let’s make it through this week together, and celebrate a legend next Sunday!

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