Zion Williamson has been the subject of a lot of jokes recently, especially when it comes to his weight. Williamson has had weight issues, seemingly arising from his unavailability on the court after having foot surgery. His current shape has many Pelicans fans concerned about his future.
While Zion was always a large player, he used to be in great physical shape. Pictures from his stint in Duke show that he was extremely defined and toned while dominating on the court. But recent sightings of Zion have shown that he has put on a lot of weight.
Charles Barkley and Shaquille O’Neal had some fun at Zion’s expense. After seeing footage of Zion trying to work out and get his legs recovered quickly before the game, Barkley joked that Zion looked like he was Barkley and Shaq’s baby.
Charles then had some more serious criticism of Zion and told a story about how Moses Malone told him he was out of shape during his days in Philadelphia. Chuck believes that Zion needs another player to tell him about his weight issues and that his poor diet could cause further injuries going forward.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=__JFeoChvu8
“Looks like me and Shaq had a baby.”
“I’m concerned. I am really concerned about … I tell this story, and I’m being critical, it is what it is. Moses Malone said to me, he said I was fat and lazy. And I started to cry a little bit.”
“He’s already hurt, you should not get hurt when you’re young. And he’s already had surgeries on his legs, now he’s got a broken foot, he gonna have to learn, even when you’re hurt, you’re gonna have to control your eating. When guys get hurt, Adam, and they come back, you’re trying to get in shape. And if you’re putting on that stress on your knees and your feet, you’re just gonna keep getting hurt. Somebody’s got to be a grown person down in that relationship and say, ‘Yo, man, you got to get in shape.’”
Via ClutchPoints
Personalities in the basketball world like JJ Reddick have said that there is some cause for concern over Zion’s current weight issues. Given the monumental talent that Zion is, his current shape will prevent him from being able to reach his true potential in the coming years.
Even Brian Windhorst believes that Zion can only reach the heights once expected of him if he is able to get back to the shape he used to be in during his collegiate days at Duke. And while Zion has some time before he can play again, he needs to get in better shape and stay that way in order to achieve long-term success in the NBA.
