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Stan Van Gundy Praises Zion Williamson By Comparing Him To LeBron James And Charles Barkley

Stan Van Gundy, who spent the past two years being an NBA analyst, has finally made his way back in the coaching ring and will be tasked to coach the developing young core of the New Orleans Pelicans.

The defensive tactician has over a decade of coaching experience and a solid resume of overseeing some of the top players in the NBA. Having to coach Dwight Howard in Orlando and Dwyane Wade in Miami, Van Gundy will now take the challenge of coaching Zion Williamson – whom he showered with praise during his recent interview as the new Pelicans head coach.

Per Bleacher Report:

“He’s unique. That combination of size, quickness and explosive power, it really hasn’t come along. People were trying to make the comparison to LeBron or to Charles Barkley, and that’s probably as close as you’ll get.

“But he’s unique. He’s not really those guys. LeBron’s always been a primary ball-handler, point guard, point forward, whatever you want to call him. Barkley was maybe a closer analogy to Zion. What everybody notices is the big body and the great leaping ability, but he’s also got an incredible first step offensively and plays the game very unselfishly. He makes quick decisions, the ball leaves his hand quickly, so other guys can enjoy playing with him. He’s not a ball-stopper.”