“Too Heavy”: Promising Health Update Doesn’t Save Zion Williamson From Ex-NBA Star’s Brutal Take

Last year, Zion Williamson played the highest number of games (70) in his career. Before the season started, there were positive affirmations of him shedding more weight in order to be healthy. Even with an average of 22.7 points, he has only been able to contribute to 6 games, the last of which was on 6th November. With the recent medical update, it felt that the Pelicans fans had something to celebrate, but it ain’t the case as per the former Hawks star.

In a snippet from his podcast, Jeff Teague candidly expressed the bleak future for the NOP forward. “I like Zion, I just don’t ever think he’s going to be healthy. His body type don’t say healthy. Like no shade or nothing, but he’s too heavy at that size and the way he play. It’s not going, it’s not going to happen bro.”

On the podcast, they were discussing the recent update, which stated that the 24-year-old will be out for at least two more weeks. But then why is it a positive update?

Brian Windhorst on The Hoop Collective podcast, explained that Williamson has taken two PRP injections and further detailed the timeline for his return. “The second, which I think was scheduled for Friday. Generally, I’m not a doctor, but generally when you have PRP, then you have to shut it down for a while.” 

This was close to 2 weeks ago, and Windy even stated that the franchise was terrified. “Everybody’s terrified to put any kind of timetable on Zion because you just don’t know.”

So from indefinite out to currently two weeks out, surely the Pelicans fans would be happy. That’s where Jeff Teague expressed why Zion Williamson won’t be healthy forever. “He’s a athletic player like he’s not a shooter, he’s a driver athlete and to weigh that much and have knee injuries, leg injury, hamstring injury and your game is based off athleticism.” 

Jeff Teague continued, “I don’t see it man. Trust me, I was a athletic player that sh– about to come to an end.” But it’s not just the former Hawks star who has been critical of the 2019 first-overall draft pick.

Zion Williamson’s weight issue called out by ESPN analyst

The Salisbury native has occupied a central spot more often than not because of his injuries. That is why the Pelicans added crucial contract stipulations when he signed a five-year contract in 2023. Because of only 29 games played that season, the last three years are non-guaranteed.

With 25 lbs lighter heading into the season, this time things could have been different. But Shannon Sharpe was not happy with that weight reduction.

“Everybody just talking about making excuses for him. He just a big… People just talking about Shannon. Look at the elephant. All he eats is grass. Yeah, but he eats 400 pounds a day. That’s why his a– big.” The NFL legend continued, “Everybody wants Zion to get in shape except Zion. Everybody wants Zion to have discipline except Zion.”

So, now with two weeks stated by the franchise, will Zion Williamson finally be healthy enough to play the entire season? Or just as Jeff Teague stated, the ship has sailed for the Pelicans star. Plus, with the current trade news, is it the final season he plays in New Orleans? Only time will tell.