Zion Williamson has had to deal with a lot of grief about his weight while playing for the New Orleans Pelicans. Now he’s finally talking about it.
The 6-foot-6, 284-pounder has been publicly criticized by many, including Pelicans vice president of basketball operations David Griffin, who recently said that some of Zion’s health struggles are “on him.”
“I wish I could immediately pinpoint the answer. I think a big part is on him,” Griffin said in April.
“I think there is a lot he can do better. And he would, I think, tell you that. I think we need to do a better job examining the whole situation top to bottom a little bit better.”
Williamson got honest during an appearance on Gilbert Arenas’ Gil’s Arena show on Tuesday.
Zion kept it real about the food. pic.twitter.com/KO5HXAQ4oN
— Gilbert Arenas (@GilsArenaShow) July 11, 2023
“Is it hard to diet at your age?” Arenas asked the NBA star. “Be honest.”
“Since it’s you, I’ll be real,” Williamson said. “That **** hard, it’s hard man. Like, you’re 20, 22, got a lot of money — it feels like all the money in the world — man, it is hard.
“But I’m at that point now, where, because of certain things, I’m putting back wisdom around me… putting people around me with wisdom, put me on game to certain things and just go from there.”
The 22-year-old played in 29 games last year and missed the entire prior season as he dealt with various injuries to his foot, hip, hamstring, and finger.
Williamson has also been dealing with a lot of personal drama recently. Hopefully, he has the ability to reset and refocus as he attempts to live up to the hype he brought with him into the NBA.
