Charles Barkley Gives Heartfelt Advice To Zion Williamson

Charles Barkley, Zion Williamson, NBA News
NBA Analysis Network

NBA Hall of Famer Charles Barkley recently gave some advice to New Orleans Pelicans All-Star Zion Williamson.

Barkley, one of the greatest players in NBA history, said on The Steam Room podcast that Williamson has to get in shape.

“Zion Williamson, yo man. I don’t know you. We’ve never met. But somebody gotta tell you like, ‘Yo man, you gotta get in shape.’ Cuz you gonna keep getting hurt if you’re out of shape. I don’t think the coach has enough power to tell you what to do. I don’t think David Griffin, who’s a friend of mine, has enough power to tell you what to do.

“I’m so blessed for Moses Malone. (He) told me to get my fat ass in shape and made me lose 50 pounds. It changed the whole dynamic of my life. I hope you don’t take this the wrong way. I want you to be a great basketball player. I’ve been in your shoes, being very talented, being overweight. And like I say, I thank God every day for Moses.”

NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Zion Williamson & New Orleans Pelicans Updates

Williamson has only played in 114 NBA games since being the No. 1 overall pick in the 2019 draft out of Duke. The lefty played in 24 games his rookie year and 61 games his sophomore year. The two-time All-Star missed his entire third year and appeared in just 29 games this season.

When he’s been on the court, Williamson has been a superstar. The North Carolina native has career averages of 25.8 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 3.6 assists. Williamson signed a five-year, $194.3 million designated rookie contract extension with the Pelicans in July 2022 and Barkley believes that should be enough motivation for the 22-year-old to get in shape.

NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Zion Williamson & New Orleans Pelicans Updates

“I’ve seen dozen of guys eat their way outta the NBA,” Barkley said. “It can happen quickly because once you start getting hurt, you gon’ keep getting hurt. My first contract was four-years, $2 million. I got in shape for $2 million. You gon’ make another $500 million. All you gotta do is get in shape.”

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