Pelicans superstar Zion Williamson has found himself on the wrong end of Charles Barkley’s criticism, with the basketball legend declaring he’s “really concerned” about the New Orleans forward’s weight.
Williamson, the 2019 No.1 draft pick, has yet to return to the court this season and is still several weeks away from making his way back due to a foot injury.
But as the 21-year-old inches closer to a return, he was seen working out on the court before a recent Pelicans match.
Listed at 198cm and weighing 129kg, Barkley took a shot at Williamson for holding a bit more weight than usual after witnessing the recent vision of the Pelicans superstar on the court.
“It looks like me and Shaq (Shaquille O’Neal) had a baby,” Barkley said.
In response, O’Neal burst out in laughter and added “I quit”, before Barkley suggested that Williamson is “eating good in New Orleans”.
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Williamson, in his short career to date, has regularly battled through injuries. He tore his meniscus just weeks before making his NBA debut in 2019.
After a quick joke, Barkley took the discussion seriously when he conceded he was worried about Williamson’s weight and struggles with injuries.
The NBA legend and 11-time All-star recalled a story of when Moses Malone pulled him into line over his weight early in his career.
“I’m concerned,” Barkley said. “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.
“He’s already had surgeries on his legs, now he’s got a broken foot, he’s going to have to learn, even when you’re hurt, you’re gonna have to control your eating.
“When guys get hurt 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 [with New Orleans] and say, ‘Yo, man, you got to get in shape.’
“I know he’s got a lot of power … but you’re not going to win if he’s always hurt.”
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