2025 NBA Season

[Yogee]

Zion definitely doesn't look "scary" to me at all. He is still overweight and he can play however he wants while he plays, and he could be a good player when he plays but it has been years and he still hasn't played a single decent season, he keeps getting injured time and time after again.

He is indeed scary mate, and he will be more destructive if he can last that long every season, I bet teams that they are up against will really have a hard time specially in the off season because I know that with him in the roster healthy, they can reach much further compared to what they had done each and every season that he got a season-ending injury.

But he would not last that long and that's the argument why he doesn't look scary. The teams that usually compete for the playoff spot wouldn't be scared or worry too much about the Pelicans since they know Zion won't be playing on a regular basis.

[dwyane36]

I just finished reading about this from the NBA.com notification.
Well, it took the NBA a long time before they could finalize whatever fine they will give Harden after what he did. But I am still curious about why the 76ers are still not granting his trade request. It's a player option so he is illegible to opt-out and pick another team according to his contract.
Perhaps that reason and other things are all combined which is why Harden became furious at Daryl Morey.
NBA should also look into that and not just put all the blame on Harden. Why would he act like that and what is the reason behind all this ruckus he is making?
If there's a contract that must be followed then the 76ers must do so, but it seems they don't want to let go of him.

Morey is as much to blame as Harden. However, I don't think the NBA management wants to get into the details of who said or promised what to whom. They are probably more concerned with the fact that some players are abusing their influence. First, they warned Lillard and his agent because of Lillard's strong desire to go to the Heat, and now they've apparently run out of patience and fined Harden $100k.

[Iranus]

Zion definitely doesn't look "scary" to me at all. He is still overweight and he can play however he wants while he plays, and he could be a good player when he plays but it has been years and he still hasn't played a single decent season, he keeps getting injured time and time after again.

He is indeed scary mate, and he will be more destructive if he can last that long every season, I bet teams that they are up against will really have a hard time specially in the off season because I know that with him in the roster healthy, they can reach much further compared to what they had done each and every season that he got a season-ending injury.

But he would not last that long and that's the argument why he doesn't look scary. The teams that usually compete for the playoff spot wouldn't be scared or worry too much about the Pelicans since they know Zion won't be playing on a regular basis.

Zion definitely needs to cut a little weight. The fat percentage of his body is definitely a little higher. And I also agree that he should perform better if he actually wants to get known as a great player. Don’t get me wrong he’s not bad. But he definitely is not someone who has actually unlocked the full potential of himself. Injuries have also been a problem for him. Being injured and not being able to perform as well as he should, has definitely got the spotlight away from him for sure. Even recently he was out because of a hamstring injury if I’m not wrong. And these injuries are definitely not some minor injuries that you can come back from after 1/2 weeks. These injuries need months to heal.

[TravelMug]

Zion definitely doesn't look "scary" to me at all. He is still overweight and he can play however he wants while he plays, and he could be a good player when he plays but it has been years and he still hasn't played a single decent season, he keeps getting injured time and time after again.

I bet that if he lost some of that weight, he would have been a better player but we all know that it's not looking like he will lose any of that weight, instead he turns that fat into muscle but still if you have way too much muscle that hurts your chances of staying healthy as well, it's just too much power on joints. Imagine a 260 pounds or even more, maybe 300 pounds dude jumping very high and then going down, when he touches the floor, his knee joints is taking a punishment every single time.

He is indeed scary mate, and he will be more destructive if he can last that long every season, I bet teams that they are up against will really have a hard time specially in the off season because I know that with him in the roster healthy, they can reach much further compared to what they had done each and every season that he got a season-ending injury.

The Pelicans tried to help him though and customized his contract to make him more inspired and serious but even that failed as the problem is really Zion and his weight that keeps on bringing him down. He should be aware about it by now because if he gets more complicated each year, his career might be in a dangerous situation as any team will not need him if he cannot be an asset to them.

Yes, and most likely for us the definition of scary is that Zion has sculpted his body that is ready to go against any big players, including Giannis who is the perfect example of body transformation in the NBA.

And that contract of his with the Pelicans is indeed a motivation for Zion to really improved his body and take it seriously because he will get just incentives if he keeps his body healthy throughout the season and definitely if they can get and pass the 1st round of the playoffs.

[OgNasty]

^ I have my doubts that Zion will ever be able to play a full 82 game season. He’s just too big to be a professional basketball player. The speed and strength of this guy almost ensures an injury. Healthy, he’s the most dominant player the NBA has seen since Shaq, and more athletic than a young LeBron. If they did figure out how to keep him healthy for the rest of his career, he would no doubt be one of the best to ever do it.

[ChiBitCTy]

^ I have my doubts that Zion will ever be able to play a full 82 game season. He’s just too big to be a professional basketball player. The speed and strength of this guy almost ensures an injury. Healthy, he’s the most dominant player the NBA has seen since Shaq, and more athletic than a young LeBron. If they did figure out how to keep him healthy for the rest of his career, he would no doubt be one of the best to ever do it.

I agree I don’t think that he’s going to have a long stories career due to the fact that his body just seems to have the same type of issues or whatever you want to call it like Greg Oden that you can just tell he’s going to struggle to remain healthy.

I can’t say I agree he’s the most dominant player since Shaq or more athletic than a young Lebron, but he is one heck of a player.

[dezoel]

Dame is someone you trade for the future, not someone now. If you get KAT then you are getting someone now and that is not good, they do not need someone now. The way I see it, Portland failed to build a team around Dame and that is why they are not doing any good for him and he wants to leave, and the fact is that he wants to go to a team that can win today means that even Dame wouldn't want that deal. So all in all this was a bad deal for both Dame and Portland.

Miami is the only good one, Miami could offer all those side pieces like herro and robinson and they could offer some picks as well, Lowry too. That way Portland would have some good players that they can flip for picks, some picks directly and some tank commander as well.

[wheelz1200]

^ I have my doubts that Zion will ever be able to play a full 82 game season. He’s just too big to be a professional basketball player. The speed and strength of this guy almost ensures an injury. Healthy, he’s the most dominant player the NBA has seen since Shaq, and more athletic than a young LeBron. If they did figure out how to keep him healthy for the rest of his career, he would no doubt be one of the best to ever do it.

Agreed, his body build isn't meant for the way he plays the game.  He is a slasher with high impact dunking.  The rigors of the entire nba season will always hinder his ability to play consistently.  Shame because when he does play he is amazing to watch.  Loved watching him play at Duke when rj was all the rage theor freshman season.

[carlisle1]

Dame is someone you trade for the future, not someone now. If you get KAT then you are getting someone now and that is not good, they do not need someone now. The way I see it, Portland failed to build a team around Dame and that is why they are not doing any good for him and he wants to leave, and the fact is that he wants to go to a team that can win today means that even Dame wouldn't want that deal. So all in all this was a bad deal for both Dame and Portland.

Miami is the only good one, Miami could offer all those side pieces like herro and robinson and they could offer some picks as well, Lowry too. That way Portland would have some good players that they can flip for picks, some picks directly and some tank commander as well.

Agree to that, Portland is aiming for a trade that will maximize Dame. If they will take the offer for KAT, it will hurt their cap
and for future reference, KAT may be a liability.

They might choose to take future picks and some role players who can add up to their offense and defense, while still in trying to build
a competitive team after Dame being traded.

Might be possible for another leader type star who can tower the offense but still accompany by future picks.

[OgNasty]

^ I have my doubts that Zion will ever be able to play a full 82 game season. He’s just too big to be a professional basketball player. The speed and strength of this guy almost ensures an injury. Healthy, he’s the most dominant player the NBA has seen since Shaq, and more athletic than a young LeBron. If they did figure out how to keep him healthy for the rest of his career, he would no doubt be one of the best to ever do it.

Agreed, his body build isn't meant for the way he plays the game.  He is a slasher with high impact dunking.  The rigors of the entire nba season will always hinder his ability to play consistently.  Shame because when he does play he is amazing to watch.  Loved watching him play at Duke when rj was all the rage theor freshman season.

I used to get frustrated watching him play at Duke because RJ was always the number one option and the guy who would take “the shot” at the end of games, but he was a choke artist. When Zion had opportunities he definitely delivered. Those videos of him dunking from the free throw line at Duke in practice are insane.

[LogitechMouse]

^ I have my doubts that Zion will ever be able to play a full 82 game season. He’s just too big to be a professional basketball player. The speed and strength of this guy almost ensures an injury. Healthy, he’s the most dominant player the NBA has seen since Shaq, and more athletic than a young LeBron. If they did figure out how to keep him healthy for the rest of his career, he would no doubt be one of the best to ever do it.

His body being too big might be cause for his injuries, but I believe that it can be solved thru exercise, scrimmages, healthy diet etc.

With our league now being a fast paced game, for sure it's hard for Zion's body to cope up with his strength, athleticism, and speed. I don't totally disagree with you that he can't play a full 82 game this season because it's hard to be healthy all throughout the season just by looking on how the pace is. The only player that I saw played 82 games straight for the past couple of years is Looney, but he's a slow center unlike Zion.

This is the reason why the Pelicans are hesitant to trade Zion to other team despite of him being an injury-prone player in his first years with the league. His talent is a generational one. He's has strength, athleticism, more faster than other players as well. I mean if only he wasn't injured last season, I see the Pelicans at least at the 4th spot or even higher at that time, but sh*t happens, and he got injured, and that ruined the team. Like you, I'm also hoping that he will be healthy next season, and for the rest of his career. If he will not become healthy this season, and got injured again, there's a high chance that he will be traded to another team already.

And I just hope that he will not be involved into another issue regarding women.

[Reid]

^ I have my doubts that Zion will ever be able to play a full 82 game season. He’s just too big to be a professional basketball player. The speed and strength of this guy almost ensures an injury. Healthy, he’s the most dominant player the NBA has seen since Shaq, and more athletic than a young LeBron. If they did figure out how to keep him healthy for the rest of his career, he would no doubt be one of the best to ever do it.

It may be his upper body that is heavier than his lower body and that's why his injuries are mostly from the legs downward. I saw his photo and he is making muscles out of the fats but if this workout will make him heavier than before then it might be the wrong path for him. It's true that he will become one of the dominant players in the league if he can achieve the health that will make him play more but just like you said I also doubt that he can play for that long without hurting himself again. They may try load management just like what the Clippers is doing with Kawhi, but again there's no escaping injuries once it hit you.
New Orleans fans are getting restless, he needs to be better this season.

[Questat]

They may try load management just like what the Clippers is doing with Kawhi, but again there's no escaping injuries once it hit you.
New Orleans fans are getting restless, he needs to be better this season.

The best thing to do if they want to limit the possibility of Zion getting injured again is to take that load management thing. If the Raptors were successful with the load management they applied to Leonard, I see no reason why the Pelicans wouldn't be able to do the same. The good thing about the Pelicans is that even without Zion, they can still make the playoffs. This is a relief, as they can choose to let Zion focus on the playoffs.

However, fans might not like this load management approach, as they come to see their favorite players on the court. Zion is the team's best player, so it might disappoint some fans. Nevertheless, business is business, and the team needs to focus on what's best for the overall team.

[Sanitough]

They may try load management just like what the Clippers is doing with Kawhi, but again there's no escaping injuries once it hit you.
New Orleans fans are getting restless, he needs to be better this season.

The best thing to do if they want to limit the possibility of Zion getting injured again is to take that load management thing. If the Raptors were successful with the load management they applied to Leonard, I see no reason why the Pelicans wouldn't be able to do the same. The good thing about the Pelicans is that even without Zion, they can still make the playoffs. This is a relief, as they can choose to let Zion focus on the playoffs.

However, fans might not like this load management approach, as they come to see their favorite players on the court. Zion is the team's best player, so it might disappoint some fans. Nevertheless, business is business, and the team needs to focus on what's best for the overall team.

That's the downside, as fans often complain about load management. Some buy tickets well in advance, yet they might not know if a specific player will participate due to announcements being made as little as 24 hours before the game or even at game time. However, if we are following NBA, we would know that it exist, so as long as the NBA doesn't implement rules regarding this, teams are within their rights to utilize load management to safeguard the health of their players, particularly those prone to injury.

[OgNasty]

They may try load management just like what the Clippers is doing with Kawhi, but again there's no escaping injuries once it hit you.
New Orleans fans are getting restless, he needs to be better this season.

The best thing to do if they want to limit the possibility of Zion getting injured again is to take that load management thing. If the Raptors were successful with the load management they applied to Leonard, I see no reason why the Pelicans wouldn't be able to do the same. The good thing about the Pelicans is that even without Zion, they can still make the playoffs. This is a relief, as they can choose to let Zion focus on the playoffs.

However, fans might not like this load management approach, as they come to see their favorite players on the court. Zion is the team's best player, so it might disappoint some fans. Nevertheless, business is business, and the team needs to focus on what's best for the overall team.

That's the downside, as fans often complain about load management. Some buy tickets well in advance, yet they might not know if a specific player will participate due to announcements being made as little as 24 hours before the game or even at game time. However, if we are following NBA, we would know that it exist, so as long as the NBA doesn't implement rules regarding this, teams are within their rights to utilize load management to safeguard the health of their players, particularly those prone to injury.

I think the problem is that players have gotten so much bigger and stronger over the years that injuries are just more likely. The obvious solution would be to have less games but that would mean less money and a nightmare for career stats. That’s why I understand load management. Players like Kobe or LeBron who are going for their legacy will always be out there if they can.

[danherbias07]

I think the problem is that players have gotten so much bigger and stronger over the years that injuries are just more likely. The obvious solution would be to have less games but that would mean less money and a nightmare for career stats. That’s why I understand load management. Players like Kobe or LeBron who are going for their legacy will always be out there if they can.

It's true and we already heard a lot of complaints from last season about how exhausting it is due to back-to-back games. Kyrie Irving was one who stood up and talked about it.
I think the NBA should find a solution to this. If it ain't cutting the number of games then they could lengthen the number of days that will be played in one season so that every team will have enough rest. If that doesn't work either because of conflicts in schedule with WNBA and other events that will use the homecourts then maybe cutting the minutes at every game could also be a great help.
I thought they made progress by applying the running time during the 4th quarter where a receiver doesn't need to hold the ball while the clock is running but the shot clock won't move but I guess that's not enough.
I think the best solution would be simply cutting the number of games in the season. Maybe 82 games is too much.

[kro55]

I think the problem is that players have gotten so much bigger and stronger over the years that injuries are just more likely. The obvious solution would be to have less games but that would mean less money and a nightmare for career stats. That’s why I understand load management. Players like Kobe or LeBron who are going for their legacy will always be out there if they can.

It's true and we already heard a lot of complaints from last season about how exhausting it is due to back-to-back games. Kyrie Irving was one who stood up and talked about it.
I think the NBA should find a solution to this. If it ain't cutting the number of games then they could lengthen the number of days that will be played in one season so that every team will have enough rest. If that doesn't work either because of conflicts in schedule with WNBA and other events that will use the homecourts then maybe cutting the minutes at every game could also be a great help.
I thought they made progress by applying the running time during the 4th quarter where a receiver doesn't need to hold the ball while the clock is running but the shot clock won't move but I guess that's not enough.
I think the best solution would be simply cutting the number of games in the season. Maybe 82 games is too much.

I think they’re not going to be less games for sure. There will be another player who will become bigger and better perform well and get more money. If one player gets injured, another can obviously take its place. So the number of games are never going to reduce in my opinion.

Moreover, the intensification of competition is a continual reality. That is what makes the players actually getting injured more and more. Honestly, it does not matter how much the players take care of their health. If they are going to push hard to perform well, there is a big chance that they are actually going to get injured. Nothing is risk-free in life, that is the risk. They will have to take to get the reward that they want.

[passwordnow]

^ I have my doubts that Zion will ever be able to play a full 82 game season. He’s just too big to be a professional basketball player. The speed and strength of this guy almost ensures an injury. Healthy, he’s the most dominant player the NBA has seen since Shaq, and more athletic than a young LeBron.

Well, we might truly see a repetition of what has happened to him for several seasons having an injury. But boy, I've seen the recent photos of him and he's got more buff. I guess it's time for him to invest in how to maintain his body but not compromise his performance just as Lebron takes care of his body.

If they did figure out how to keep him healthy for the rest of his career, he would no doubt be one of the best to ever do it.

This is without any doubt. We do recognize how good and full package he is.

[TravelMug]

^ I have my doubts that Zion will ever be able to play a full 82 game season. He’s just too big to be a professional basketball player. The speed and strength of this guy almost ensures an injury. Healthy, he’s the most dominant player the NBA has seen since Shaq, and more athletic than a young LeBron. If they did figure out how to keep him healthy for the rest of his career, he would no doubt be one of the best to ever do it.

I agree I don’t think that he’s going to have a long stories career due to the fact that his body just seems to have the same type of issues or whatever you want to call it like Greg Oden that you can just tell he’s going to struggle to remain healthy.

I can’t say I agree he’s the most dominant player since Shaq or more athletic than a young Lebron, but he is one heck of a player.

And that's really separate the great players in the past, I mean Jordan had his body being bang with the series for 3 straight years with the Pistons and yet he remain so focus and try to improved his body. Iron man like AC Green and John Stockton remain in the league for so long and just missing just couple of games.

But now as the game progresses, this superstars doesn't remain healthy at all, most of them got injured, never play again, some recovers but not the same player and then there are others who really try to progress like Kawhi and yet still prone to injuries.

[btc_angela]

^ I have my doubts that Zion will ever be able to play a full 82 game season. He’s just too big to be a professional basketball player. The speed and strength of this guy almost ensures an injury. Healthy, he’s the most dominant player the NBA has seen since Shaq, and more athletic than a young LeBron. If they did figure out how to keep him healthy for the rest of his career, he would no doubt be one of the best to ever do it.

I think he will be put in restrictive minutes here just to preserved his money because I also agree that he might not take that gruelling 82 games without hurting his body unless he is really that freak of nature like Lebron or Giannis who can sustain that run.

And the team and medical stuff at NOP should know by now how to take care of Zion. They have been doing their job already, but it seems that he still got injured last season when we thought that he has come back and strong and fully rehabilitated and can play and help NOP.