?I Got in Shape for $2 Million Dollars?: After Expressing His Distaste Toward Zion Williamson, Charles Barkley Draws Parallels Only to Raise Concerns Over the NBA Star

The New Orleans Pelicans star Zion Williamson has almost every element to become a future NBA superstar. The 22-year-old is steadily making a name for himself, although most of the conversations around his name are related to fitness. His not being in shape is debated and discussed over and over again. The most criticism he receives usually comes from the dynamic duo of the Inside the NBA show.

Shaquille O’Neal and Charles Barkley have expressed their concerns over the 2x NBA All-Star’s fitness several times. The two have even made fun of his fitness and physique on national television. Although Williamson is yet to make any significant progress, Barkley recently talked about him while drawing parallels with his own fitness journey.

Charles Barkley expresses concern over Zion Williamson not getting into shape

Sir Charles calls it as he sees it. It is one of his best qualities that makes his opinion notable, although even he will agree that he has crossed the line a good few times. Back in 2021, Chuck’s comment on Williamson had Shaq breaking into a fit of laughter and falling short of breath. While looking at a clip of Williamson practicing, Chuck said “It look like me and Shaq had a baby.”?

This was an instant hit among the fans, and everyone had a good laugh at the Pelicans’ star’s expense. However, this is not the only time when Sir Charles took Williamson’s matters into his own hands.

After expressing a great deal of distaste towards the Pelicans’ forward months ago, Chuck recently expressed concern over his fitness. During a recent appearance on Spittin’ Chiclets podcast, the 60-year-old talked about Williamson. Chuck said that his own fitness journey wasn’t easy during his NBA years, but he still did it despite having less incentive than Williamson.

He said, “I got in shape for $2 million dollars, and a kid like Zion is making $50-$100 million dollars.” Sir Charles added that despite making such big money, he is still not getting in shape and he has been in the NBA for over five years.

He also said that young athletes making so much money and not caring about the craft is a negative thing.

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Charles Barkley objected to Zion Williamson’s NBA All-Star spot

It is well known that Barkley doesn’t mince words when talking about things he cares for. An 11x NBA All-Star himself, he disagreed with the Pelicans star being chosen for the All-Star game 2023. Citing the reason that Williamson has missed too many games this season, he said that the selection is unfair. Chuck added that he would’ve picked Domantas Sabonis or Lauri Markkanen over the 22-year-old.

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