Having Mocked Zion Williamson over Weight Issues, Charles Barkley Keeps It Real with $197,230,450 Earning Star: “Don’t Have Great People Around Him!”

Zion Williamson is one of the most dominant players in the league when healthy. However, Williamson has had an unfortunate NBA stint so far with multiple injury-riddled seasons. At age 23, the New Orleans Pelicans Forward has already missed 194 games. Williamson’s injuries have kept him out for a prolonged period of time, even during the last season as well. It goes without saying that being overweight is a major reason why such injuries are on the brink of ruining his career. Charles Barkley, who has previously mocked Zion for his weight issues, recently dished out some advice to the $197,230,450 earning star.

Charles Barkley isn’t a man who minces words. As rude as it may seem, Barkley prefers being candid. On numerous occasions, Chuck has been quite inconsiderate about Williamson’s health issues and has trolled the youngster for being overweight. However, this time around, Sir Charles had some honest advice for the former Duke Blue Devil.

Charles Barkley advises Zion Williamson to hire a personal chef

During the American Century Celebrity Golf Championship tournament, Barkley made an appearance in an interview with SportsCenter. At one point in the must-see conversation with Kevin Negandhi, the Round Mound of Rebound was asked to comment on Zion Williamson’s current status. As expected, the TNT analyst was pretty straightforward with his assessment, asking the Pelicans star to get in shape.

“He needs to get in shape, plain and simple. This is professional basketball, we’re not babysitters. To make the kind of money these guys are making today, I don’t think it’s a lot to tell guys to get in shape.”

The NBA Hall-Of-Famer even criticized the company Zion has surrounded himself with. Barkley also advised the youngster to hire a personal chef to keep his nutrition in check. Barkley told SportsCenter:

“Hey, I don’t know Zion, seems like a good kid. But sounds to me like he don’t have great people around him. I was blessed to have Moses. But your family and friends should say ‘Yo man, you’re going to screw up your future’. It is not fair to the Pelicans, it is not fair to the NBA. Hire a personal chef. The kind of money he’s making, hire you a personal chef.”

Barkley, who looked sharp in the SportsCenter interview, also went through weight issues in the initial stages of his career. But some harsh words from his then teammate Moses Malone compelled the Chuckster to change his ways. Therefore, Barkley stressed on the importance of surrounding yourself with good people who motivate you to stay in shape.

Even though he hasn’t had an outburst yet, Williamson has been hearing a lot of nay-sayers lately. During his recent appearance on Gilbert Arenas’ podcast, Zion revealed following in LeBron James’ footsteps to keep himself healthy.

Williamson plans to follow LeBron James’ $1.5 million regime

LeBron James is one of the most durable athletes in the world. The King is still able to dominate the league despite being 38 years old. The reason for the same – LeBron treats his body like a temple, spending as much as $1.5 million every year to stay in shape. During a conversation on Gilbert Arena’s podcast, Williamson disclosed his plans of hoping to emulate Bron’s regime.

Hopefully, Zion manages to stick to a strict diet plan and workout routine. If the 6-foot-6 Forward does maintain his health, the New Orleans side will be a tough team to beat in the West.