“Work on your body son..PLEASE!” NBA Analysts express concerns over Zion Williamson’s longevity citing overweight issues
Zion Williamson
NBA’s young sensation Zion Williamson is one of the most talented scorers in the league. New Orleans Pelicans had success with former Dike star on the floor, and now with the addition of great teammates, the team looks solid to make a push in the playoffs. However, the former No. 1 pick has not been able to showcase his abilities due to constant injuries. Entering his fourth season, he has just played 85 games in total for the Pelicans. Moreover, he sat out the entire 2022 season due to injuries. However, now that he is back fully fit, here are a lot of expectations from the Duke prodigy.
Despite playing just over 1 season, the New Orleans Pelicans showed their faith in Zion Williamson by signing him to a five-year $193 million rookie extension. The move was hugely criticized by many, citing the player’s attitude and fitness level. But the franchise stood behind their top pick and added a weight clause to his contract that requires the young sensation to be in shape. This could be a measure taken by the organization to keep him healthy, and in turn, benefit both.
NBA Analyst points out Weight management as an important factor for Zion Williamson to have a great career
When drafted as 1st overall pick back in 2019, Zion Williamson created a huge buzz in the league. ESPN recruiting director Paul Biancardi touted Williamson as “probably the best player in terms of production” in his class. He did deliver what was expected of him, he averaged 26 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 assists per game for the Pelicans.
While before Williamson suffered a Jones fracture in his right foot, he had a massive season with 27 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 assists, improving in all departments. But injury kept him out for the 2022 season and the Pelicans will be happy to have him back on the floor. Former NFL player Marcus Spears though had some warning for the 22-year-old youngster.
He shared his concerns about the Pelicans player on ” The Swagu & Perk Show.” After praising Zion for his explosive playing style, the analyst said the weight with which Zion plays could rob him of a phenomenal NBA career.
He said, “I just get concerned because to your point the longevity bro, and I’m thinking that two even at 290, even at honestly Perk at 280, and I know some dude’s body is different. If Zion was 7’1” we wouldn’t be talking about it right because that’s a different type of body style.“
“But with dude when you’ve got a 45 inch vertical and you 280 and you’re doing that 82 games a year and he plays explosive like all the time.”
Emphasizing his capabilities, the analyst suggests that he should take “good” care of himself, as explosiveness would come with some fears of injuries. He added, “So it ain’t like he ever going out a night where he gonna hang around the three-point line and just run off screens. He gonna be bored and rebounded. I just hope that we don’t get cut short of what I think is gonna be a phenomenal NBA career.”
The Pelicans also seem to have taken care of this issue, commercially at least. There is reportedly an unorthodox de-escalator in the contract related to the star forward’s weight. According to Christian Clark of Nola.com, the contract stipulates Williamson will have periodic weigh-ins where throughout the entirety of his new deal his weight and body fat percentage must be below a combined 295. If it is not, the amount of guaranteed money in Williamson’s contract can be reduced.
Additionally, his escalators kick in if he is named All-NBA, MVP, or Defensive Player of the Year next season. We all are excited to see Williamson on the floor though and hope he could get those incentives of staying fit.
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Kunal Chawda
(600 Articles Published)