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NBA Draft 2019 Player Profile: Duke forward Zion Williamson

By Lukas Harkins

COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA - MARCH 22: (Note To Editor: This digital image has been converted to black and white) Zion Williamson #1 of the Duke Blue Devils reacts against the North Dakota State Bison in the first half during the first round of the 2019 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Colonial Life Arena on March 22, 2019 in Columbia, South Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA - MARCH 22: (Note To Editor: This digital image has been converted to black and white) Zion Williamson #1 of the Duke Blue Devils reacts against the North Dakota State Bison in the first half during the first round of the 2019 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Colonial Life Arena on March 22, 2019 in Columbia, South Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /
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LAHAINA, HI – NOVEMBER 21: Williamson of Duke shoots. (Photo by Darryl Oumi/Getty Images)
LAHAINA, HI – NOVEMBER 21: Williamson of Duke shoots. (Photo by Darryl Oumi/Getty Images) /

Weaknesses

Inconsistent shooting

The No. 1 concern regarding the No. 1 prospect, though, definitely comes in his shooting. Even though Williamson is an absolute terror when attacking the rack, he was a below-average shooter at the college level. Over the course of his freshman season, Williamson shot a relatively solid 33.8% from 3-point range but his 64.0% clip from the free throw line is definitely concerning. Many statistics experts have pointed out over the years that free throw shooting at the college level is a stronger indicator of NBA perimeter success than 3-point shooting.

With that said, though, Williamson has not needed an elite 3-point shot to dominate games so far in his career. That might change at the NBA level but he is the type of player that will likely work to continuously expand his game. If coaches believe his biggest weakness is perimeter shooting, then increased reps and training will help him develop that facet of his game.

How will his body transition?

Zion Williamson will be one of the heaviest players in the NBA when he joins the league for this coming season. And while the vast majority of this comes from his ridiculously muscular frame, there are some concerns regarding his transition to the next level. This might not even turn out to be a weakness, though, as he can use his strength to his advantage on several occasions. In addition, his coaching staff at the next level will make sure that his body is in the best condition to succeed.

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