At one point, Zion Williamson was supposed to be the next best thing to happen to the NBA since LeBron James. Things have worked out quite the opposite for the New Orleans Pelicans’ power forward. His talent is certainly undeniable but injuries have caused serious damage to his legacy. Williamson has been in the league for four years but has only played one and a half seasons’ worth of games.
The Duke recruit has had some serious issues maintaining his weight and staying in shape for basketball season. Recently, a picture of him surfaced on the internet after a long time. Zion looked very slim and built as if he is ready to compete again. However, fans seemed fairly uninterested or unimpressed by his current physique. Here are a couple of reactions that trashed Zion on the internet.
He’s bulking he’s skinny he’s dunking lol same thing every year
— Nick (@NativeChampAyee) May 5, 2023
Must have cut down from 8 pizzas a day to 7
— kobean (@RetardedGenius9) May 5, 2023
Black shirt on. that photo doesn’t count
— ryan brideau (@ryanbrideau) May 5, 2023
Yeah I doubt it, man could get injured washing his clothes on god 😆
— Michael (@mpdjrhabs) May 5, 2023
No concern. Healthy as my grandma
— believe in local music (@believeinmusi3) May 5, 2023
“He’s bulking he’s skinny he’s dunking lol same thing every year,” said one fan, while another said, “Yeah I doubt it, man could get injured washing his clothes on god.” The weight loss trolling has been brutal for Williamson. Even NBA analysts have not spared him for his weight either. However, if things stay under control and he remains healthy, the former All-Star could be back to create some serious damage.
When will Zion Williamson come back to the NBA?
Zion Williamson’s first two seasons in the league were pretty good. Even though he missed a big chunk of his rookie season, he managed to average 22.5 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 2.1 assists in 24 games. During the 2020-2021 campaign, Williamson appeared for almost the entire season, putting up 27 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game. He made his All-Star Game debut as well. However, things got worse before the next season.
In 2021, he fracture his foot during the offseason and had to undergo surgery to get it fixed. He was projected to return in November 2021 but the Pelicans were radio dead about it. Eventually, he returned at the start of this season playing only 24 games. He put up 26 points, 7 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game. Zion was expected to make the All-Star roster as a starter but missed the games because of another injury.
This time it was a torn meniscus that kept him away from the court. The Pelicans were playing well when he was healthy and even cracked the top three in Western Conference. However, since then, Zion was cleared for 5-on-5 or full-court work before the play-in tournament. He is expected to come back next season to start alongside CJ McCollum and Brandon Ingram.
