Ex NBA Star Downplays Zion Williamson Shredding 25lbs: “Doesn’t Have Time To Sit Around & Eat”

New Orleans Pelicans star Zion Williamson worked his way out of his injury from last season. During that period, the 23-year-old received constant criticism for his fitness and losing shape. However, he shut down his critics with a comeback story in the 2023 offseason. Following the instance Williamson shredded 50 lbs more this year. While it seemed like a remarkable turnaround, the former NBA star Kenyon Martin did not think so as he went on to trash Zion in a recent show.

In the latest episode of Gil’s Arena, the show’s crew discussed Zion’s latest update. ESPN‘s Brian Windhorst reported about the Pelicans star’s recent weight loss. While Gilbert Arenas and the special guest, Sheryl Swoopes, found this feat impressive, Martin, sitting on the other side, had contradicting views. He added, “There is a direct correlation. The more games he plays, he don’t have time to sit around and fu**ing just eat… He was hurt last year, sitting around f****** eating in the locker room.”

He didn’t stop at that. Martin further said, “He’s been available, he been playing, so direct correlation man. He is playing minutes, his weight is down. If he don’t play minutes, his weight gonna be up. It’s a f***ing seesaw.” The former Nuggets star downplayed Zion Williamson‘s efforts to bring down his weight for the second time since the 2023 off-season. 

In the 2022-23 season, the Pelicans star suffered a hamstring injury and almost missed the entire campaign. At that time, analysts and fans constantly went at him for his fitness. The 23-year-old remained on the sidelines without responding to it. Zion, however, got back in shape during the off-season and shut down the critics. Even then, some weren’t impressed with his fitness, especially Charles Barkley.

Following Chuck’s comment, Zion Williamson shreds 25 lbs

During the 2022-23 season, Stephen A. Smith said, “15 years younger but 40 pounds heavier, went to the free throw line… ladies and gentlemen, I saw a belly,” in his show. Following that, during the In-season tournament, Barkley said, “He’s not in shape. He doesn’t run. He plays the game strictly on talent.” 

Despite losing his weight after the first criticism, the star was again criticized by the Suns’ legend. And now, the cycle has again repeated with Kenyon Martin. Notably, this rampant criticism occurred even after he almost took his team to the top-4 in the West.

What do you make of the constant criticism of the youngster? Should the analysts cut some slack for Zion? Let us know in the comments below.

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