Apart from managing lingering injury issues, Zion Williamson has spent most of his young career trying to keep his bodyweight under control. The New Orleans Pelicans have even added a unique clause in the contract that required Williamson to be in shape. However, the 6ft 6″ forward still looks evidently unfit, prompting Shannon Sharpe to lash out at him.
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DeMarcus Cousins was the latest from the NBA fraternity to comment on Williamson’s concerning weight gain. Cousins, surprisingly, claimed that Zion was doomed for failure ever since the side from New Orleans (a city known for not-so-healthy food) drafted him. Sharpe swooped right in and disregarded the take.
While talking on his Nightcap podcast, the NFL legend pinned the blame on ‘Zanos’. Sharpe implied that the two-time All-Star has not maintained discipline and is now facing the consequences of his choices.
“That’s not the team fault that ain’t got nothing to do with New Orleans. That’s Zion [Williamson] and his no-discipline a**, that’s all that comes down to… Discipline requires you to do your very best when no one else is watching. Doing what you need to do instead of what you want to do,” Sharpe said.
Of course, the Pelicans organization cannot be blamed for Williamson’s fitness levels. Players aside from Zion are able to stay in game-ready shape in New Orleans. It is about time his supporters held the youngster accountable for his actions.
Williamson, while conversing with Gilbert Arenas last year, had implied that he was changing his diet. A year on there is no positive change in his shape. On the contrary, a recent shirtless photo makes it appear as though he has gained a few more pounds.
Williamson found it difficult to maintain a healthy diet
Zion made an appearance on Arenas’ podcast in mid-2023 and was open about his struggle with a healthy diet. Williamson admitted that earning a substantial amount of money allowed him to enjoy good food.
“That s** (diet) hard, it’s hard man. Like, you’re 20, 22, got a lot of money — it feels like all the money in the world — man, it is hard. But I’m at that point now, where, because of certain things, I’m putting back wisdom around me… putting people around me with wisdom, put me on game to certain things and just go from there,” Williamson had said.
It seemed Zion was confident in turning his career around by being more vigilant. For what it’s worth, he did hold up his end of the bargain by suiting up for a career-high 70 games last season. His production wasn’t the best of his career — 22.9 points on 57% shooting from the field, 5.8 rebounds, and 5 assists per game. But he was fit for almost a full season.
Williamson’s persistent fitness issues have become a major concern for the Pelicans now. As he continues to remain sidelined with injuries, the pressure is mounting on the 24-year-old to prove his naysayers wrong. If he is unable to stay healthy and lead his team, there is a possibility that the Pels’ front office would ship him off to a different team.
