?Now I?m Going to the Lakers?: Shaquille O?Neal Offers Vital Advice to Pelicans? Zion Williamson Ahead of Contract Extension

Shaquille O’Neal has offered crucial advice to New Orleans star Zion Williamson ahead of his contract extension deal this summer. Williamson entered the league with massive expectations after a very dominant college career. He set the NBA ablaze in his first two seasons in the league.

Zion is eligible for a max rookie extension this offseason. However, the Pelicans front office is reluctant to offer him a max deal after the young sensation missed the entire 2020-21 season due to a foot injury. Many consider the 21-year-old power forward as somewhat of an injury risk.

He’s also frequently out of shape despite his incredible athleticism on the court, which increases his chances of getting injured. Shaq chimed in on the whole situation in the most recent episode of his podcast.

Shaquille O’Neal on Zion Williamson’s contract extension

Shaq seems to think that this contract extension can be a make or break moment in Zion’s career, “It’s either motivational or detrimental“. The Big Man advised Zion to take any deal the Pelicans offer him and use it as motivation to play harder. If he consistently plays at an elite level from next year and puts up MVP caliber numbers, then he can have his pick of the litter.

In fact, he can remind the Pelicans of their disrespectful conduct by not signing with them in the future, “Remember that little thing you did back in the day. Now, I’m going to the Lakers“. Shaq believes that Zion can easily get a $350-500 million max deal from many teams in the league if he plays according to his potential.

Meanwhile, co-host Nischelle Turner played Devil’s advocate and asked Shaq whether the Pelicans are justified in not giving Zion a max deal. But Shaq was adamant in his position, “They don’t pay you for your play, they pay you for your potential.”

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He reminded everyone that he signed a $100 million deal before even stepping onto the court.

Shaq doesn’t think Zion is overweight

Many fans, critics, and analysts have criticized Zion Williamson’s weight gain during his injury. But Shaq doesn’t agree that Zion is out of shape. In fact, he believes that the 21-year-old just has a bulky body. Shaq pointed out Zion’s athleticism to back up his argument.

“The man out there doing windmills.”

It is quite natural that Shaq wants to see Zion prosper. The game has changed significantly over the last decade. It is no longer dependent on big centers and power forwards dominating the paint.

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Nowadays, the game is more centered around a point guard or a shooting guard. As a matter of fact, Shaq’s own favorite player is Steph Curry. Therefore, Shaq takes immense pleasure when big men like Giannis and Zion dominate the game. Like he did for years on end.