There are very few players I can't think of that can get to the basket and finish as effectively as Zion. What is he doing technique-wise that makes it look so easy? The moves leading up to the finish seem different than other players approach to driving, but I can't put my finger on it. Some of his finishes are spectacular, especially working through double teams, but most are very basic drives that just involve a single fake to get the defender moving one way, then slash to the hole.
The part I think is unique is that he pivots and jumps at the basket in both the vertically and horizontally direction, doing it very far and fast. I think he using every bit of extension coupled with his vertical. And adding to that, he is always looking for the rebound after his shot or a block, plus he has great touch and offensive IQ positioning his body making it all very unguardable.
Everyone is talking about his size, athleticism and touch which are all true. Something else about him is how quick and explosive he is relative to his size. His first step for his size is lighting fast. How quick he can layup a ball up, miss, then jump again to get the offensive rebound and put it back up is maybe the best I’ve ever seen.
Yea too many people are missing this. Defenders are in front of him then once zion takes his couple steps they're to the side trying to play catch up and not foul. It's also hard for a defender to take a charge because they can't get positioned fast enough and it would take an extremely brave person to take a charge from someone that size moving that quickly.
Then, sometimes there will be a freak athletic player that can keep up with him like AG, but then he just stops on a dime and elevates at an angle to keep the guy juuuust out of reach of his layup.
It's crazy to watch.
Aren't those all factors of athleticism?