?He?s Never Been Healthy?: Suns Legend Charles Barkley Gets Brutally Honest on Zion Williamson Ahead of Potential Contract Extension

The concerns over a ?big man?s fitness? are almost always big. Even a player as great as Shaquille O?Neal struggled with injuries resulting in him missing around 200 games in his career. The same is the case with Zion Williamson; but mind you, there is no comparison. Because for Shaq, he always came back strong from injuries and setbacks. Unfortunately for Zion, he hasn?t been able to do so. Moreover, Shaq?s ?best friend? Charles Barkley criticized Zion?s availability.

Charles Barkley, in conversation with Dan Patrick, talked about how the unavailability of Zion Williamson is a big issue for New Orleans Pelicans. Zion has only played 85 games in three years for his team. The 22-year-old has already reached the point in his career where he has to sign a contract extension.

On the contrary, it is the New Orleans who have to decide whether to give him the contract extension or not. With only around a season, in terms of game time, under his belt, it is a tricky decision. At least that is what Charles Barkley thinks.

Dan Patrick asked Chuck what he would do if he were in place of the Pelicans. He was questioned whether he would offer Zion a contract extension or not. To which Charles Barkley replied, ?ooh man that’s a really tricky one, Dan. To give him 200 million dollars? That to me, listen, that’s the job you get paid to do and would I give it to him? No I would not because he’s never been healthy. I’m not even talking about the NBA. I’m talking about high school, college, NBA. He’s never been healthy.?

Also read: Charles Barkley Blasts Zion Williamson For Acting Like Anthony Davis With The Pelicans

Charles Barkley scathingly gave the reality check to the Pelicans and, moreover to Zion about his physique and his injury struggles. He also drew comparisons with the situation of Zion to his own situation when he first came to the NBA.

Charles Barkley draws a comparison between him and Zion Williamson?s situation

Chuck was about 300 pounds when he first came to the NBA. He admitted that it was Moses Malone who made him realize that he must prioritize fitness in order to become a better player. He showed gratitude towards Moses and said that the desire to get better physically is what made him such a great player. However, he does not see that same desire in Zion.

?He hasn’t proven to me that he can control his weight. Listen Dan, I’m not comparing myself to him. But it’s the exact same situation. When I first got to the NBA, I weighed 300 pounds, and Moses Malone, the most important person in my career, made me lose 50 pounds. And made me the great player I became,? Chuck further stated.

According to Chuck, Zion has not proven himself enough. Even when he has played he has not been at his best. He certainly believes that Zion has potential and he can indeed become the player everyone expects him to become. But the fitness and then, in turn, the lack of game time under his belt is concerning.?

WATCH THIS STORY: 10 times Chuck roasted NBA stars.

Chuck believes that the problem is if he leaves and turns into the player everyone thinks he can be, then it is on the Pelicans to let him go. But that is the decision, the gamble that they have to make. They need to figure out what kind of player Zion is. Is he is going to get in shape? Or will his injuries get the better of him? Only time will tell.?