The conversation around Zion Williamson has been a unique one. While he came into the league with all the hype in the world, his tenure hasn’t gone according to plan. Even though he’s become a steady contributor, the injury concerns are too high. Further, the-can’t-miss aura is severely lacking 4 years into his career. Moreover, the biggest question mark around Zion has been his health and his weight. Recently, Shaquille O’Neal went on a tirade about Williamson’s performances, especially in the IST semifinals. But, those criticisms may have been taken out of context.

On the Rich Eisen show, the big man was ready to dive into all basketball matters. Whether it was the success of the tournament or the Draymond Green saga, Shaq was his usual candid self. However, the Los Angeles Lakers legend was put on the back foot when discussing Z.

After accusations of fat shaming against him, O’Neal gave his perspective on the matter. According to the 7-footer, his critique was reasonable because it was about basketball. Rather than his weight or body, the Hall of Famer’s focus was on Z’s production.

“I just said, I sat there on the floor. He didn’t run hard. He didn’t step up into the challenge and he didn’t create any easy points for himself. That’s what I said.” The 4-time Champion would even offer perspective on why he didn’t bring the conversation to weight and things of that nature.

“Because that’s what you guys used to say about me. But the difference is, in my third Championship when I was a big guy, I still put up numbers. And I still did what I wanted to do, and I still won the Championship. I never got into the whole weight thing.”

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The conversation would continue with Shaq, revealing the hidden messages he leaves for players in his critiques.

Shaquille O’Neal’s unique style of motivation

As the big man alluded to, similar conversations were the norm around him during his career. So, to criticize the New Orleans Pelicans superstar on the same matter felt hypocritical to O’Neal. However, comments about his playstyle, unlike Charles Barkley going after his weight, were fair game to him.

According to him, the comments he made about Zion were a roundabout way for the young superstar to improve his performance. “When I go on these guys, I’m trying to give them hidden messages inside what I say. But I try to not go personal. I never said anything about his weight.”

Can Zion take the legend’s advice and remove these labels? Let us know in the comments below.

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