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