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USA Today via Reuters

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USA Today via Reuters

Zion Williamson is a player brimming with talent and skills. However, the only thing slowing him down is his proneness injuries. After his draft in 2019, Zion missed a significant number of games in his first three years due to various injuries. In fact, he missed the whole 2021-22 season thanks to a foot injury. This has become a huge concern for the Pelicans who have to bear the risk of retaining an injured player.

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Most recently, fans and spectators alike have also noticed that the 23-year-old power forward has put on a considerable amount of weight. And former NFL star Shannon Sharpe isn’t having any of it and goes off on Zion.

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Zion needs to take training seriously

Shannon is serious when he says that Zion might have to make some tough decisions; the decision being: if he wants to continue playing. This is because he is convinced that Zion doesn’t love basketball. After all, as he puts it, “If he love the game of basketball, he would get his weight under control. He would take training serious. There is no possible way you can say you love something and then go out and do the thing that’s the total opposite of what you’re saying.”

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The former NFL tight end brings up Zion’s contract with the Pelicans that was recently renewed. In a deal that would have locked Zion in till 2028, the Pelicans wanted to put a safety net for themselves because of his health issues. As per this, the last three years of his contract is not guaranteed. Digging at this, Shannon says, “I’ve never had a weight clause, I’ve never had any kind of clause in my contract.

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The fact that Zion has this, is beyond Shannon’s comprehension, and he blames it on the money. “College kids don’t have money. If you find a kid that’s overweight in college with no money, what the hell you think gon’ happen if you give him a hundred or two hundred million? He ain’t eating pop tarts, he ain’t eating Cheetos, he eating ten-course meals!

Zion has to take accountability

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Shannon seems disappointed that Zion lacks the accountability to own up to his present state. “Actually it’s embarrassing. It’s really embarrassing. Because this man have all the assets to get a personal chef, to have the best trainers. But you can get all of that, the personal chef, the personal trainer, what about personal accountability?”

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In the end, unless Zion himself realizes the issue at hand, he will not take it upon himself to make some major changes in his life. “Until he sees it within himself, to see what he’s doing to his NBA future, nothing’s gonna change,” Shannon concludes.

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Written by

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Tsuktibenla T Jamir

395 Articles

Tsuktibenla is an NBA Writer at EssentiallySports, whose love affair with basketball began at the age of 16, sparking a passion that has kept her actively playing ever since. Representing her school and college in various tournaments, she earned the title of MVP in several instances despite contending with multiple injuries. A graduate in English Literature, she pursued a Master's in Journalism to solidify her place in sports journalism. At the ES Desk, she is responsible for analyzing predictive lineups, injury reports, and breaking down player performances intricately. Despite her inclination towards a low-key lifestyle and the comfort of solitude, Tsuktibenla occasionally engages in NBA 2K or EA FIFA sessions with friends.

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Debmallya Chakraborty

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