Zion Williamson had a lot of hype entering the league as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft. Since then, there have been two main narratives that have stuck with the New Orleans Pelicans superstar.
One is his fitness, and the other is his game. Even though he took a stride and fixed his fitness this year, it is still a wait-and-watch matter. And that is what Stephen A. Smith called out yesterday.
ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith was asked if Zion Williamson is under pressure entering the second half of the season. Smith said on Get Up;
It’s not about his game. It’s about how many burgers he’s eating. Whether he is going to be in shape or keep eating McDonald’s–That’s what he has to prove, that the chefs don’t love him any longer.
Smith said Williamson has to stave off the lure of food and restaurants to maintain his fitness. His fitness is what has let his performances down to date. If Williamson can keep himself fit, his game is good enough for the Pelicans to make a decent run in the playoffs.
The New Orleans Pelicans are 5th in the Western Conference with a host of teams breathing down their neck. They would need all of their players in good health and form. They will struggle if a superstar such as Williamson is not fit. His interior game is crucial for the Pelicans to target at least the Western Conference Finals.
“Zion Williamson, it’s not about his game. It’s about how many burgers he’s eating. Whether he is going to be in shape or keep eating McDonald’s… That’s what he has to prove, that the chefs don’t love him any longer”
— Stephen A Smith on the pressure on Zion pic.twitter.com/ot0ejoeZTf
— Pelicans Film Room (@PelsFilmRoom) February 23, 2024
Smith’s critique comes from the inconsistencies in Williamson’s fitness. This has been the single biggest talking point of Williamson’s short career so far. Now, with his love for food at restaurants out in public, Smith had to remind Williamson that he has to avoid the calls from chefs if he has to stay healthy.
What Stephen A. Smith expects Zion Williamson to do
Stephen A. Smith is excited for the New Orleans Pelicans. He loves what head coach Willie Green and the players on the Pelicans have done so far in the season. Smith wants the team to succeed after never getting anywhere close to title contention. Smith believes how far the Pelicans go depends on Williamson.
Zion Williamson is not performing to the elite standards expected of him (image via Open Source/X)If Zion Williamson can stay healthy, he can contribute the standard 22.5 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 4.9 assists he is producing on an average per game this season. But if Williamson can elevate his play to elite levels come playoff time, the sky is the ceiling for the Pelicans.
This is why Stephen A. Smith suggested that Zion Williamson has to prove in the second half of the season that he can stay fit. Smith wants Williamson to prove to everyone that he can stay healthy and consistent.
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