Zion Williamson loves New York…but one legendary New York power forward doesn’t necessarily love Zion back.
In an appearance on SiriusXM NBA Radio Monday, Oakley said this about the 2019 No. 1 pick:
“He ain’t doing nothing special, he’s just putting the ball down. Guys don’t slide no more. They reach in and then look behind like, ‘Oh, I thought I had help.’ There ain’t no help. Keep him in front for 2-3 dribbles, you might have help.”
Williamson, who has been a point forward for much of his time on the floor this season, is averaging 27 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 3.6 assists on 61.7 percent shooting through 55 games, which is quite the line. But here’s the kicker for Knicks fans: Oakley thinks the ‘Bockers already have a better version of Zion on their roster, in one Julius Randle.
“I think he’s a better version of Zion to me, because he can do more,” Oakley said. "Zion is just hype in the league. But in the playoffs, he’ll be just like the Greek Freak. They’ll have the wall for you. First of all, Zion Williamson got to get the playoffs.”
The Pelicans enter Monday 4.5 games out of a spot in the Western Conference play-in tournament, while the Knicks are fourth in the East. Because of that, Randle is in the MVP discussion, is averaging 24 points, 10.5 boards, and 6 assists per game entering Monday night’s tilt with the Suns, and is, as Oakley says, the superstar the Knicks have lacked.
“I said last year, they didn’t have a superstar, and now they got a superstar," he said. "He’s left-handed and they can’t stop him because these guys don’t want to stand in front him. Once you make one move, he can get to the rim every time.”
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