“We’re not babysitters” – Zion Williamson SLAMMED by Charles Barkley for being OVERWEIGHT

Williamson has time and again endured a torrent of criticism for his weight issues.

“We’re not babysitters” – Zion Williamson SLAMMED by Charles Barkley for being OVERWEIGHT

Charles Barkley (AP) and Zion Williamson (Getty)

Zion Williamson, once touted as the face of the league, showcased his explosive dunks and athleticism during his time at Duke and his first two NBA seasons, which played a significant role in earning him a supermax extension. However, in recent times, he has been making headlines for reasons other than basketball. Injuries have plagued the former All-Star, limiting him to just 114 games in four seasons. Reports about his lack of workouts and weight gain have become a subject of amusement within the NBA community.

NBA Legend Charles Barkley recently criticized Zion’s bad habits. The player-turned-analyst expressed that Zion needs to get in shape and, considering the money he makes, shouldn’t require being told to do so. He also emphasized the importance of surrounding himself with people who can steer him in the right direction, warning that not getting his act together could jeopardize his future. Barkley expressed frustration that Zion’s lack of fitness is unfair not only to the New Orleans Pelicans but also to the entire NBA.

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“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.” Charles said. “Hey, I don’t know Zion, seems like a good kid, but it sounds to me like he don’t have great people like him. Your family and friends should say, ‘Yo man, you’re gonna screw up your future.’ And it’s not fair to the Pelicans. It’s not fair to the NBA. But the bottom line, he just gotta get in shape. Plain and simple… He just got to grow up”

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Related: Zion Williamson accused of being WOMAN BEATER by adult film star Moriah Mills

Zion Williamson admits to having weight management issues

Zion Williamson
Zion Williamson (Image: Sean Gardner/Getty)

During an interview on the show Gil’s Arena with former NBA player Gilbert Arenas, Zion Williamson was candidly asked about the challenges of following a diet at his age. He honestly admitted that having significant wealth at a young age made it difficult to stick to a diet. However, he mentioned that he now has wise people around him who have encouraged him to take his nutritional conditioning seriously.

“Since this you, I will be real. There were times when I wasn’t, that sh*t’s hard man,” Williamson said. “I’m 20-22, have a lot of money, feel like all the money in the world, man. It is hard. I am at that point now because of certain things and the wisdom around me. I don’t wanna say older, but the people around me with wisdom put me on game to certain things and go from there.“

If Zion can regain his physical shape and avoid further injuries, he has the potential to be a spectacle on the court. Despite playing only 114 games for the Pelicans, he has averaged an impressive 25.8 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 3.6 assists. He even earned selection as an All-Star starter this season, indicating that he can live up to his “generational talent” potential.

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