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Recently, former Knick Charles Oakley caused a stir by saying that New York’s Julius Randle is a better version of Zion Williamson.
Former NBA star Antonio Daniels says (politely) that it’s a ridiculous comparison because they are very different players and also because Randle has been in the league since 2014 and played over 400 games while Williamson, due to injury and Covid, is essentially in an extended rookie season.
His colleague argues that you’ll be able to stop Zion if he makes it to the playoffs, to which we have to say, well, not if his teammates can respond. Because Williamson is brilliant, and has no ego, about being a decoy and being used as a passer.
He goes on to point out that of all of Williamson’s made shots this season, only 16 have come outside the paint.
We’ll give Randle that but think about it: if you’re able to shoot a very high percentage in the lane, why not do it? This isn’t a smart argument, particularly when you are making it about a very young player just beginning to explore his potential.
The other thing that guy overlook is this: Williamson doesn’t care if you get him the ball or not because he can get it himself. We saw this at Duke a lot. He either took it away or grabbed a rebound and got a basket, usually before anyone else could react.
The third guy basically puts Randle in perspective, nicely, but firmly and hammers delusional Knicks fans. The whole video is pretty entertaining.