Former no.1 overall pick Zion Williamson scored 13 points in his eight shots in the semi-loss of the New Orleans Pelicans.  His fitness came under fire after the poor show against the Los Angeles Lakers.  Shaquille O’Neal opined that he doesn’t run, doesn’t create easy chances, doesn’t have a look, and doesn’t rebound. Zion bounced back to answer his critics with performance and his tongue.

He scored a career-high 36 points beating Minnesota Timberwolves 121-107. After the match, in the media interaction, he tried to distinguish between well-intentioned criticism based on value and criticism for the sake of criticism. It met with a sharp response from a former NFL star and sports analyst.

Shannon Sharpe charges guns on Zion Williamson

In an episode of First Take, Shannon questioned his premise. He opined that Zion doesn’t take care of his diet and conditioning and the criticism is valid. He said that Williamson doesn’t love basketball because love demands care and nurture.  Further, he added that Zion needs a “personal chef and personal accountability.” Shannon added, “So it is on him if he has a short career he has no one to blame but himself.”

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But Sharpe’s comments about Williamson’s health went too brutal too, “Two things are happening – his stomach is going one way and his behind is going the other way.” The 23-year-old star got included in the Pelicans draft in 2019. But his injuries have deeply affected his career trajectory. He played only 24 games and then missed the 2021-22 season. While Sharpe’s criticism could be dubbed as harsh, Stephen A Smith too didn’t mince words.

Stephen A. Smith’s criticism of Zion Williamson

The television host and sports analyst contended that Zion wasn’t responding to Shaquille but to him. He revealed that Zion’s stepdad had called him after he called him fat in the podcast. Smith reiterated that his criticism was sincere and meant for the betterment of his career.

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He shared his defense with a pinch of humor and sarcasm too. Smith said that there are chefs in New Orleans who love him and are looking to meet him because “he will eat the tables.” What do you think about Zion Williamson’s attitude about criticism? Let us know in the comments.

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