Zion Williamson is a special talent. There’s no denying that and it was clear since the very first time we saw him play. Even so, there re a lot of doubts and concerns regarding his durability. Ironically, one of the many things that make him stand out could also condemn him.
Williamson is one of the most athletic players we’ve seen. His ability to take off defies nature and the laws of gravity. His 285 pounds are just too much for a 6’6” player with his game, and, understandingly, the New Orleans Pelicans have eased him into the game.
That’s why analysts and fans have voiced their concerns about Zion’s weight. He looked slow and out of shape at times during the Orlando bubble and his proneness to get hurt raised some question marks about his potential to break out in the league. Zion, however, doesn’t mind what people say:
“Everybody is entitled to their own opinion. I’m just going to stick to the opinions of the people closest to me and my team, and just go from there,” the former 1st overall pick said, as quoted by Will Guillory of The Athletic.
Zion when I asked him about people making his size and weight an issue:
"Everybody is entitled to their own opinion. I'm just going to stick to the opinions of the people closest to me and my team, and just go from there."
— Will Guillory (@WillGuillory) August 13, 2020
Zion averaged 22.5 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game on 58.3% shooting through 24 games in his rookie season. He also looked capable of dominating NBA defenders and there’s no doubt that he can end up being a perennial MVP candidate in no time.
Even so, the rook has a lot of work to do this offseason. It’s not about making fun or shaming him but to hope he and the Pelicans find the way to keep him on the court. He’s the cornerstone of their project and we all want him to succeed.
