The New Orleans Pelicans’ season came to an early end again.
They couldn’t even get a single win against the Oklahoma City Thunder and, more importantly, their best player wasn’t even on the floor to help them — again.
Zion Williamson had the best season of his career, at least in terms of durability and availability.
Still, his hamstring got the best of him late in the campaign again.
With that in mind, Hall of Famer Charles Barkley encouraged him to take better care of his body (via ClutchPoints).
“I like Zion a lot… but the sooner he gets in shape, the better he’s gonna be… I seen that he lost 25lbs during the season you have to do that in the offseason,” Barkley said.
"I like Zion a lot… but the sooner he gets in shape, the better he's gonna be… I seen that he lost 25lbs during the season you have to do that in the offseason."
Charles Barkley gives Zion Williamson advice ?
(via @ClubShayShay)pic.twitter.com/AoSEvh866i
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) May 5, 2024
In his latest appearance on Shannon Sharpe’s Club ShayShay, the former power forward, who also struggled with his weight during his career, claimed that Williamson needed to lose weight in the offseason, not during the season.
Williamson deserves credit for bouncing back this season after a rough start to the year to get in the best shape of his young career.
But there has to come a point in which he — or his team — just says enough is enough.
There’s absolutely no doubt about his talent, and his privileged strength and athleticism could lead him to be one of the best players this game has ever seen.
Zion needs to find a way to get his body in line and avoid injuries.
Otherwise, he’s going to go down as just another what-if.
NEXT: Pelicans Have Reportedly Made A Decision On Brandon Ingram's Future
