?He Might Slip on a Snickers?: Stephen a Slams Pelicans? Decision on ?Manchild? Zion Williamson Ahead of New Season

As the NBA pre-season kicks into high gear, Stephen A. Smith has raised an alarm on New Orleans Pelicans? big brother Zion Williamson. Injury and health concerns have plagued his career. Smith argues it was a mistake for the Pelicans to play Williamson before the regular season, and he has some compelling evidence to support his claim.

Zion played in the preseason opener game against the OKC. He showcased his explosive game and athleticism months after recovering from injury. He played for 16 minutes and scored 12 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists. And the NBA analyst doesn’t mince words when he points out that playing Zion in the pre-season could be a colossal mistake, and the history of Zion’s injuries is a testament to that.

Stephen A. Smith goes all numbers to say that he is worried about Zion

Smith did not hold back when discussing Zion Williamson‘s injury history. And he responded in a thumping ?he*l to the yes? when was asked if it was a mistake to play Zion in the history given his history.?He calls him a ?man child? and Stephen goes on to say that he has been worried every time Zion is on the court, ?the way his history has been, he might slip on the Snickers.?

With strong affirmations, Stephen gets on with the numbers. He sums up Williamson?s missed games due to injuries in each of his first four NBA seasons. In his rookie season, Zion missed 45 games with a torn meniscus in his right knee. The following season, he missed 10 games with a fractured thumb and a toe injury. He missed the entire 2021-22 season due to a major fractured foot. And just his last season, he missed 50 games last season with a hamstring strain, an ankle injury, and a hip injury.

READ MORE: Making NBA Return After 53-Game Absence, Zion Williamson Pulls a Brilliant Buzzer Beater and Walks Off the Court in Style

If you’re keeping count, that’s toe, knee, finger, toe (again), foot, hamstring, ankle, and hip. That?s the main worry of Stephen Smith every time Zion takes to the court.

?Zion is a superstar in the making?

Though Stephen A. Smith makes a compelling argument citing a laundry list of injuries that Zion has had to battle through, he still believes that Zion is a superstar-caliber player. Zion?s health is the linchpin. If that?s taken care of, the Pelicans can get to great heights. Going ahead for Zion he says, ?You can see 90% of the league scared to take an offensive foul against him. And we know why, that?s the big brother right there. He has lost weight. He looks in shape.? Smith argues on Zion’s superstar caliber.?

Perhaps it’s time for the Pelicans to heed Stephen?s warning. They must start ensuring they don’t overwork their superstar, so he’s primed and ready for the games that truly count.

Watch This Story:?After the latest setback, a timeline of injuries faced by Pelicans star Zion Williamson