(Photo by Cindy Ord/Getty Images for SiriusXM)
There has been a lot of conversation about the conditioning of Zion Williamson of the New Orleans Pelicans recently and he’s been listening.
Following Monday night’s win over the Minnesota Timberwolves, Williamson thanked critics like Shaquille O’Neal and Charles Barkley, who have criticized his conditioning, weight, and physicality.
On Tuesday’s episode of “First Take,” Stephen A. Smith said that Williamson was also addressing him and his critiques.
According to a video shared on Twitter, Smith said that he was sincere when he said that Williamson “looked fat.”
“I meant it. I’m not stuttering,” Smith stated plainly.
He then went on to tell Williamson how much he’s rooting for him and how he believes in his abilities if he only steps up and takes care of himself.
“Without you, New Orleans is lucky to make it to the first round of the playoffs,” Smith said.
“He’s talking about me… You’re welcome.”
Stephen A. Smith said on First Take that Zion Williamson’s stepdad called him this morning https://t.co/hRUAjgBeD3 pic.twitter.com/rSeYFt2LmQ
— Oh no he didn’t (@ohnohedidnt24) December 12, 2023
Smith and co-host Shannon Sharpe agreed that they are cheering Williamson on and only wanting the best for him.
They wish to see him in the best of shape and able to take on the rest of the Western Conference and their statements about him are never from a place of disdain or ridicule.
Williamson just had a big bounce-back game on Monday, only days after he and his Pelicans were eliminated from the In-Season Tournament by the Los Angeles Lakers.
That loss to LA was a shocking one and it was very disappointing for fans to see Williamson not engaged.
He knows what commentators and writers are saying about him and he is perhaps using that as fuel to perform better.
If that’s the case, Williamson and the entire Pelicans fanbase should be thanking Smith, Barkley, and O’Neal.
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