Charles Barkley Gets Brutal With “Overweight” Zion Williamson: “They Giving Away Money to Bums Who Can’t Play. You Have a Chance to Become the Best Player in the NBA”

Published 01/07/2022, 8:30 AM EST

Zion Williamson has in his fledgling NBA career received criticism from NBA analysts. The young power forward who plays for the New Orleans Pelicans had also received massive hype from the media before his NBA career. His long absence due to injuries has raised concerns among fans. A former NBA player recently criticized Zion for his alleged struggles with weight.

Former NBA star and legend Charles Barkley remained vocal in his criticism of Zion. He voiced his assessment of Zion’s character on the ‘NBA on TNT’ show alongside co-host Shaquille O’Neal. Barkley questioned how the Pelicans paid Zion for his services while also recalling a personal illustration.

Barkley said, “But that’s what. It didn’t register. And then when I got to the NBA, Moses had kicked in and it registered. And I wonder who is around Zion. Cause I will sit him down and say, ‘Yo man, they giving money away to bums who can’t play. You got so much talent. You could be the best player in the NBA.”

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Barkley started his career in the NBA in 1984 with the Philadelphia 76ers. By Barkley’s own admission NBA veteran Moses Malone helped Barkley’s fledgling NBA career at the 76ers. Malone helped Barkley deal with his weight issues before preparing to play an NBA game.

Zion joined the Pelicans in 2019 as they picked him with their first pick in the 2019 NBA draft. A meniscus injury marred his rookie season as he sustained an injury during pre-season. He made his debut in 2020 in a loss to the San Antonio Spurs.

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Zion Williamson and his struggles with his weight

Fans of the NBA had promoted New Orleans Pelicans star, Zion Williamson, as the next big thing to emerge from the NCAA. His performances during his college career with the Duke Blue Devils enhanced his fame. Zion’s NCAA performances earned him a move to the NBA.

However, life in the NBA has not been a smooth sail for the 21-year-old. The Pelicans have missed Zion for the 2021-22 season with the added media focus on his weight. Many media sites reported Zion’s weight at a massive 300 pounds. Despite the flak that Zion has received from the media and fans, he remains an important player at the Pelicans.

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Shalom Saldanha is an NBA writer at EssentiallySports. Currently pursuing his journalism degree, he has previously worked as a sports corresspondent for India Shorts/Business Upturn. A Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bucks fan, Shalom primarily got into the sport after discovering that he shared a mutual love for Arsenal with the 'Greek Freak'.

Charles Barkley Gets Brutal With “Overweight” Zion Williamson: “They Giving Away Money to Bums Who Can’t Play. You Have a Chance to Become the Best Player in the NBA”

Zion Williamson and his struggles with his weight

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