Stop me if you’ve heard this before: Zion Williamson’s weight and fitness level are a concern for the New Orleans Pelicans, who were blown out by the Los Angeles Lakers in the In-Season Tournament semifinals on Thursday as Williamson, in a slow-motion state of unapologetic apathy for most of the night, put up 13 listless points on eight shots.
Zion, who actually looked pretty cut up to start the season, again looks out of shape to the eye. He’s too heavy, plain and simple. Perhaps his energy, or conspicuous lack thereof, isn’t totally tied to his weight; maybe he’s just sort of lazy by nature and has to fight, too often futilely, against that default setting.
But being out of shape certainly doesn’t help matters. Everyone knows this. Most of all the Pelicans, who gave Zion a five-year, potential $231 million contract extension despite his only having played in 85 games over the first three years of his career are expecting, or hoping for, a proper return on their investment.
From Pelicans reporter Christian Clark:
Williamson’s poor worth ethic has been a source of frustration for the Pelicans since they drafted him No. 1 in 2019. The Pelicans have tried to surround Williamson with veterans who have track records of maximizing their potential. The team signed JJ Redick in 2019. IN 2022, they traded for CJ McCollum. None of it has made an impact. The Pelicans have repeatedly stressed to Williamson that his diet and conditioning need to improve. Williamson, multiple team sources have told The Times-Picayune,
Zion Williamson reportedly refuses to prioritize diet and conditioning: ‘[He] doesn’t listen’
