Despite coming short against the Lakers tonight, Zion Williamson received massive praise. The New Orleans Pelicans star shut down his critics this season with an improved fitness compared to the 2022-23 season. However, it doesn’t seem to be enough for the NFL legend Shannon Sharpe as he revealed his expectations from the 23-year-old. Apart from that, he also dropped an interesting statement comparing Zion with the NBA legend, Charles Barkley.

In the latest podcast episode of NightCap, featuring Sharpe and Chad Johnson, the Broncos legend heaped praise on the youngster while dropping an important request to him. He said, “Athletic, quick, average 25 (points)… I have seen him at times run the offense through him. His biggest thing is staying on the court. He got to control his weight. If he can control his weight, he is a phenomenal talent. He is a more athletic Charles Barkley. That’s what he is.” Notably, Williamson reduced 25lbs throughout this season, as per Brian Windhorst.

Zion Williamson had a lot of mouths to shut down after his poor run in the 2022-23 season. After playing only 29 games, he suffered a hamstring injury and was ruled out for the rest of the season. He was criticized throughout the season for his lack of fitness and his increasing weight. A few months ago, even Shanon Sharpe made a brutal comment on his weight, saying, “Two things are happening – his stomach is going one way and his behind is going the other way.”

The criticism didn’t hold for long, as the youngster bounced back with his improved fitness and played 70 games this season, missing out on only 12 games. Now that he almost evaded his fitness issues, he has another problem to attend to.

Zion, on the other hand, has a ticking clock on him to prove himself in the postseason. Pointing that out, Sharpe’s partner, Chad Johnson, asked an important question. He asked, “Is the clock ticking on Zion, and also to take the next step and play at a high level, especially in the playoffs?”

Will Zion Williamson take the next step?

While Sharpe answered Chad Johnson’s question by comparing him to Phoenix Suns legend Charles Barkley, Zion is yet to make a statement in the postseason. Ironically, Barkley himself hasn’t won a single ring in his career. But he stamped his authority with his aggressive play, rebounding and scoring buckets rapidly. In his 16-season-long career, Chuck scored an average of 22.1 points and 11.7 rebounds per game. He was even fondly called “the Round Mound of Rebound” 

Even though Zion has an aggressive game, he doesn’t contribute much to the rebound column, averaging only 6.5 per game. Sharpe addressed it and said that Zion could improve his rebound numbers with more fitness. But, in terms of post-season, the rising superstar needs to step up his game. In his four-season-long career, the Pelicans featured in the playoffs only once in the 2021-22 season. That too, he missed out because of an injury. So, this will be his first postseason, if the Pels move past the Play-in tournament.

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In the last season, the team fell short in the Play-in tournament in his absence. However, in this season, the star has an opportunity to correct his mistakes and step up for his side. The Pelicans will take on the Lakers on Tuesday to seal their 7th spot. In case the Pels fail to cross the line, they have another opportunity, facing the losers of the 9th-10th seed clash.

Will Zion Williamson make a mark in the 2024 postseason? Let us know in the comments.