When Zion Williamson got drafted into the league five years ago, he was expected to be the next big superstar. While he certainly has the talent to do so, he has not been able to maximize his potential because of constant injuries. And many have blamed it on his poor weight management and lack of fitness over the years. However, as we get closer to next season, the forward shocked everyone with his new avatar, which even sparked drug use allegations from some fans. Amid the accusations, NFL legend Shannon Sharpe defended the former Duke star and cleared all doubts.

As Zion conducted a free-to-attend basketball camp in Spartanburg, South Carolina, a picture of him with a couple of young fans went viral on social media. The reason? The Pelicans star’s new bearded look and a significantly leaner physique. As per the reports, he has lost 25 pounds since December and is currently at an impressive 281 pounds, four pounds less than what he weighed in college. While he was listed at 284 pounds at the beginning of last season, many believe that the actual number could be even higher.

Addressing his transformation, NFL legend Chad Johnson said, “Listen, the smaller he gets the better.” Sure enough, lesser weight would mean lesser impact on his ankles and knees and possibly more explosiveness. Midway through Chad’s point on the Nightcap podcast, Shannon Sharpe cut him off after some fans began accusing Zion of using Ozempic, a weight loss medication.

“Man y’all need to stop it! You can’t even lose no weight no more. Anytime somebody lose weight ‘Oh, he on Ozempic.’” Then, Johnson voiced his doubt, “Ain’t that illegal?” However, the NFL legend quickly clarified, “No! Illegal for what?… What it does, it curbs your appetite and your sugar so which process and turns the fat.” Therefore, unlike what some fans think, Zion’s transformation might only be because of his discipline and self-control.

Zion Williamson’s goal for next season

While Zion seems well on his transformation journey and Shannon shut down all the drug use allegations, there is still a long way to go for the Pelicans star. During a recent interview, Zion reportedly told the media that he intends to shed more weight in the coming months and hit the 272-pound target before the start of next season. Whenever Zion is on the court, he plays like a beast.

But in three of his five seasons so far, he has not even played thirty games due to multiple injuries. However, he did have his healthiest year this past season as he played 70 games for the first time and averaged 22.9 points. And maybe he aims to continue this trend by coming down to a more comfortable weight.

On top of that, Zion has high ambitions for next season which will require him to stay available for the entire year, “I wanna win it all. I’d be lying if I said anything else. I want my team and myself to win it all.” Yes, they got eliminated in the first round this year. But the Pelicans might have a real shot at making a run next season with the addition of former All-Star Dejounte Murray. And Zion’s health could play a crucial role in the team’s success. Do you think Zion will be able to reach his target weight before the season starts?

Before you go, do not forget to check out this crossover between BG12 and Georgia Bulldogs star Asia Avinger