Zion Williamson is a generational talent. A phenom since his high school days, Zion has often been compared to Charles Barkley as a prospect. Slightly undersized for the power forward position, the two NBA stars’ playstyles rely heavily on their athleticism and strength. But that’s not where the comparisons end. Both Barkley and Zion have faced problems due to their weight. Having sustained a meniscus tear, a broken finger, and a broken right foot, all in the span of a few years has raised some speculations about Zion’s health and weight, which is around 284lbs. Speaking from experience, Barkley believes Zion needs to get into shape and lose weight. Especially considering his mammoth contract. In contrast, Barkley claimed he got into shape for a much lower $2,000,000!
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Sir Charles believes it’s high time for the young star to take his health seriously this offseason. While discussing the problem on The Steamroom podcast, Barkley called for Zion to focus on ” reducing his weight” this offseason. Charles also believes that Zion’s salary of over 32 -million annually is enough ‘motivation’ for the star to get in shape.
Charles Barkley lays down solid advice for Zion Williamson
During the season 4 finale of The Steamroom podcast hosted by Charles Barkley and Ernie Johnson Jr, the duo touched upon Zion’s future in the league. Speaking on the matter Charles advised Zion, saying:
“I have seen a dozen guys eat their way out of the NBA. It can happen fast. Once you start getting hurt, you’re going to keep getting hurt and you’re going to lose your talent… I’ll tell you something, my first contract was 4- years, two million dollars. I got in shape for two million dollars. Zion going to make five hundred million dollars. All you gotta do is get in shape.”
The Chuckster even emphasized the importance of having a mentor in the NBA. While reminiscing on his struggles around staying in shape, he said:
“I have said this a million times. I am so grateful to have had Moses Malone. He told me to get my fat a*s in shape. I lost fifty pounds. It completely changed the dynamic of my life forever.”
Chuck even extended a helping hand to the young Pelican, as Ernie suggested Chuck play a similar role in Zion’s life as Moses did in his.
Barkley calls Zion a Shaq-Chuck cross-over
Sir Charles is known for his hilarious takes. During the 2021-22 season, the Pelicans were struggling, losing their first 8 games of the season as Zion remained out due to injuries. Reacting to Zion’s physique Charles hilariously commented that ” Zion looks like I and Shaq had a baby.”
Even though the comments were mostly hyperbole, they definitely had some truth to it. Zion has averaged 26 points per game but has yet to make any real impact during the off-season. It would be interesting to see how the young core of the Pelicans perform as the West keeps getting more and more stacked.
