NBA rookies overwhelmingly believe Cam Reddish will be better than Zion Williamson

Whereas Zion Williamson is probably the most intriguing NBA prospect in years, there are worries that his huge 6-7, 285-pound body isn’t constructed for long-term basketball success.

And it’s not simply media critics trumpeting these considerations. His fellow rookies don’t consider he’ll reside as much as his lofty standing because the No. 1 choose by the New Orleans Pelicans.

NBA rookies like Zion’s Duke teammate higher

The NBA launched its annual rookie survey polling gamers about one another’s prospects on Monday, and there’s not a lot confidence in Williamson in the long term.

As a substitute, NBA rookies consider one in every of Williamson’s teammates at Duke will find yourself having the most effective profession. And no — the reply isn’t R.J. Barrett.

A whopping 19 % of rookies polled consider that Cam Reddish will find yourself being the most effective participant from the draft class of 2019.

Is Reddish higher than his season at Duke suggests?

Reddish, a wing participant who shot 35.6 % from the sector and 33.Three % from the faculty 3-point line throughout his solely season at Duke, was broadly thought-about the third-best prospect popping out of the Blue Devils’ loaded class. The Atlanta Hawks chosen him with the 10th general choose in June’s draft.

Some argue that Reddish was restricted by a Duke system that wasn’t a superb match and consider he can thrive within the NBA. His fellow rookies have apparently purchased into that narrative.

Others ranked pretty much as good as, higher than Zion

However Reddish isn’t the one participant rated forward of Williamson within the rookie survey by way of long-term prospects. Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant and Reddish’s fellow Hawks rookie De’Andre Hunter additionally ranked significantly greater than Williamson.

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Williamson completed in a four-way tie for fourth within the survey with 5 % of the vote. Right here’s how the voting broke down, per NBA.com:

Which rookie could have the most effective profession?

1. Cam Reddish, Hawks — 19 %

2. Ja Morant, Grizzlies — 16 %

3. De’Andre Hunter, Hawks — 11 %

4. R.J. Barrett, Knicks — 5 %
Jaxson Hayes, Pelicans — 5 %
Coby White, Bulls — 5 %
Zion Williamson, Pelicans — 5 %

Rookies like Williamson for now

The quick time period is a special story. Williamson’s fellow rookies see Rookie of the 12 months honors as a two-man race between Williamson and Morant, with Williamson popping out on prime.

From the survey:

Who will win Rookie of the 12 months?

1. Zion Williamson, New Orleans — 35 %

2. Ja Morant, Memphis — 27 %

3. R.J. Barrett, New York — 5 %
Cam Reddish, Atlanta — 5 %

Along with the weird confidence in Reddish, these ballot outcomes level clearly to a broadly held perception about Williamson. His weight goes to be an issue.

Whereas he’s 19 years previous and in his bodily prime, his measurement is an asset so long as he retains his great athleticism. He’s a favourite for Rookie of the 12 months.

However what works at 19 doesn’t essentially work at 25 or 30 years previous. And Williamson’s fellow rookies seem to agree with Charles Barkley that 285 kilos isn’t going to chop it for Williamson in the long term.

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