The weight of Zion Williamson, the Pelicans’ young basketball sensation, is still a topic of debate. Since entering the NBA in 2020, Williamson has faced setbacks due to injuries, which some attribute to his physical condition.
NBA legend Charles Barkley, who has been vocal about his concerns about Williamson’s weight, recently reiterated his stance. During an appearance on SiriusXM NBA Radio, Barkley reflected on his early years in the league and recalled how Moses Malone bluntly advised him to drop the pounds. Barkley expressed his gratitude to Malone, recognizing that his intervention helped prolong his career.
Barkley further expressed his belief that many players had “eat their way out of the NBA” and wished there was a veteran presence on the Pelicans that could motivate Williamson to prioritize his fitness. He noted that coaches may shy away from addressing weight issues with star players.
“I wish I could sit down with Zion Williamson and say, ‘Man, you have a lot of talent, but you have to lose some weight and get in shape because unless you get in shape, you can play basketball,’” Barkley said.
Williamson is 22 years old and stands 6’6, and is currently listed at 284 lbs. Ongoing concerns about his weight stem from the impact on his performance and long-term health.