While a returning Ja Morant takes over the headlines, another player comes into the game with something to prove. For Zion Williamson, Ja’s return could serve as his canvas to make his mark. Due to the strong opinions of both Shaquille O’Neal and Charles Barkley toward him, Williamson has had a heavy spotlight on him. Since those comments, Zion’s response has been equally strong.

Both Shaq and Chuck made it a point to note the lack of hustle on display by the New Orleans Pelicans superstar. While the former would point to his overall activity in the game, Charles chose to focus on his lack of rebounding numbers. But, rather than take the criticism in stride, Zion wondered about the intentions behind the legend’s comments.

With a chance to respond, both Hall of Famers left no room for mincing words. First, the Los Angeles Lakers legend would explain his position. “I sat there and I watch him. I said he doesn’t run hard, doesn’t create easy baskets for himself and it doesn’t look like he’s ready. That was me telling him, if you do this, you can get to the next level…We only criticize people we believe in.”

Similarly, Charles Barkley wasn’t having any of Zion’s pandering. “Why would he worry where it’s coming from? It’s coming from a place…We want him to be great.” While Kenny would go on to wax lyrical about his co-hosts and their decades-long domination of the sport, O’Neal had one last thing to add.

“If you say something about me, and I don’t get mad. That means I’m not ready. His response is telling me he ain’t ready. My response would have been like, ‘F Shaq and Charles. Watch this for the rest of the season.’ That’s how you respond.”

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Both iterated how they want the best for Zion and for him to get better, with Charles even drawing inspiration from early in his career. Unlike Shaq, the Philadelphia 76ers legend hasn’t been shy in critiquing Z for his weight either.

Charles Barkley takes a trip down memory lane for Zion Williamson’s example

“I want all these guys to be great…You see this guy’s got so much talent. But, he’s a Yo-Yo guy cuz he’s not in great shape.” Then, the Hall of Famer revealed how he had to go through similar struggles early in his career. “I couldn’t play back-to-back games until I lost 50 pounds. That’s why he’ll get 35 one night, and 15 the other night, because he can’t sustain it.”

However, the entire commentary comes from the perspective of being a fan of the game for Chuck. “I hope he gets in shape because we thought he was gonna be the next big thing. And right now, the jury is still out.” 

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Can Zion make the return of Ja night his own? And silence the legends in the process?

Zion Williamson Silences Shaquille O’Neal and Charles Barkley After Monster Game