There were doubts he’d successfully make the transition from high school and college sensation to bona fide NBA superstar, especially given how the initial hype train was derailed by multiple injuries. But you can no longer deny it. Once again, the hype is very real. New Orleans Pelicans power forward Zion Williamson is in spectacular form right now – to the point where LeBron James seems to believe he’ll go down in history as yet another iconic pro basketballer.
After the Los Angeles Lakers’ recent 120-117 victory against the Pelicans, the four-time NBA champion, four-time Finals MVP, and 18-time All-Star – who himself is currently in his 20th season at age 37 – had nothing but high praise for the physically imposing Williamson.
“Zion is on the verge of being great – he’s going to be great in this league for a long time. Tonight he showed why he’s gonna be who he’s gonna be,” said King James.
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The NBA veteran went on to draw parallels between the 22-year-old’s physical talent and that of Hall of Famers such as Charles Barkley and Shaquille O’Neal, in addition to legends in the making like Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmp.
“He’s in great shape right now… We’ve never seen a talent of his size, his speed, high athleticism – just like Giannis. Just like a Barkley or Shaq. There’s certain talents in our league that you’ve never seen before.”
LeBron James added: “It’s so funny when you hear people say, ‘Stop [Zion Williamson] from going left’… It’s the same thing I heard for so many years with Ginobili, Lamar Odom. When you’re great, it doesn’t matter what you do, they’re going to figure out a way.”
Of course, achieving true greatness in the NBA will be entirely dependent on his health. Which is why the New Orlean Pelicans have taken certain precautions for the 2022-23 season.
Zion Williamson has always been larger than life. Literally. At 17 years old, during the USA Basketball’s junior minicamp, he already weighed a staggering 274 lbs (124 kg). Entering the NBA, he was listed at around 284 lbs (128 kg) and reportedly breached 300 lbs (136 kg) while his foot was recovering.
RELATED: Zion Williamson’s NBA Contract Includes A Clause To Keep Him Under 134kg
Given the bulk of his injuries have been attributed to this very attribute – flying through the air and landing with a whole lot of mass/force – Williamson’s current contract stipulates a financial penalty should he exceed 295 lbs (134 kg) and an agreed-upon body fat percentage limit.
The fine print also stipulates the big fella will have periodic weigh-ins to prevent any blowouts (chassis, bones, or otherwise). Humiliating? Perhaps just a tad. Although for a five-year rookie max contract extension valued at US$193 million (AU$306 million), it’s safe to say anyone would be keen to stay on the slimmer side.
This season, Zion Williamson has averaged 22.8 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game on 50.5% shooting from the field across (average playing time: 31.2 minutes).
