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Because that's not his game

fat

Going out on a limb by saying he ain’t comfortable shooting

He doesn’t need to. He shoots like 80% at the rim on 12 attempts per game. He’s literally one of the best rim finishers of all time

I don’t watch Zion but he’s probably not a good 3pt shooter lol

Man his NBA debut was special… those four 3s in a row, this sub went wild. He’s gotta channel that again

Why doesn’t Steph Curry post up? It seems like he takes way too many threes, he should change it up sometimes and go for a lower variance shot.

Without the sarcasm, Zion is better at attacking than shooting, so he attacks. You can argue that it would be good for him to develop a better shot, but right now he doesn’t have that.

he needs to learn how to at least hit mid range. he's easier to guard if he doesn't shoot. defenders will justback off him.

Why doesn't Trae Young post up every play? Is he stupid?

paint shots are very valuable since you draw fouls, draw the defense in, and he has historically been one of the best finishers of all time. i assume if he can stay healthy in 20-30 games hell be back where he was. his shot diet is also a little weird right now, hes best when he can get all the way to the cup with no hesitation

Everyone saying he doesn't need to cuz he's so good at the rim, I'm gonna play devils advocate here, this is a guy that has basically spent his entire career injured pretty much exclusively taking the variety of shot with the highest physical toll and most physical contact. Guys that play at the rim alot and get hit alot tend to deal with alot more injuries and alot shorter careers as a result.

It's very silly and shortsighted to say he shouldn't shoot outside of the paint cuz he doesn't 'need' to, magnitudes moreso when you're talking about a guy with Zions playstyle and injury history. I'd argue he actually needs to more than most, cuz as cliche as it is we all know the best ability is availability. That historically good rim finishing has gotten the Pelicans nowhere cuz dude can't stay on the floor.

Cause he didnt learn how to play basketball fundamentals?

He was so big pre NBA he would just bully slam it into the basket. No kids to stop him. Hence he only learned to dunk

Idono why doesn’t Steph post up his guys more? I’m tired of seeing him take midrange and 3s

I think it’s just something he’s grown accustomed to as he’s progressed as a player, because it’s really either drive or the defense leaves him for an open three each possession. So that in between of the mid range is a weird zone for him.

I can understand your frustration as a fan of a Pelicans in watching this over and over. The answer to your question is very simple, he does not trust his shot. It's not an overcomplicated thing.

Zion (like almost every other NBA) during high school/college games has been able to get anywhere he wants on the basketball could due to his outlier athleticism. While he is still an outlier in the NBA in terms of athleticism, he is not at the level of "go anywhere you want" but only to the level of "get an open shot".

To be at the level of athleticism in the NBA where it is possible to get an open rhythm + balance shot consistently is insane. But... you MUST be able to make said open rhythm + balance shots. As you might suspect, in order to make these shots you have to take them first.

Taking a shot in the NBA requires an high level of confidence in your shot. Zion simply does not have that level of trust/confidence. That's why you are seeing what you are seeing.

Hope this helps. Doubt that the level of trust/confidence in his shot will emerge during this season so I believe you will be seeing a lot more of them same for a little bit longer.

Zion isn't a skilled basketball player. He is an athletic freak when healthy (Which as we have found out is rare). When his athleticism goes, he has nothing else in his bag. He needs to learn to expand his game like Blake Griffin - a similar player early in his career who redefined himself after injuries and learned to do things other than dunk.

He just doesn't want to. Simple as that