New Orleans Pelicans sensation Zion Williamson faced recent criticism about his conditioning from NBA legends Shaquille O’Neal and Charles Barkley, prompting a response after a standout performance.
Following a season-high 36-point game against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Williamson addressed the comments made by O’Neal and Barkley.
“If it comes from a great place and a place where they want to see me do better, thank you. If it comes from anywhere else, everybody’s entitled to their own opinion. Can’t control that,” said Williamson.
“It’s been like that since I was 16 years old, since I came onto the scene,” he said. “If I want to be one of the best players in the league, if we don’t win in a big moment or if something bad happens, that’s to be expected. Like I said, I’m glad we responded and got the win.”
Notably, the criticism didn’t solely come from NBA legends; sports analyst Stephen A. Smith added fuel to the fire, bluntly referring to Williamson as ‘fat.’
His former teammate JJ Redick called out Zion, saying that he is not buying in to his career.
