“How Much Weight Did Zion Williamson Lose?”: NBA Twitter Poses Question as Pelicans Star Steals The Show
Zion Williamson surprises fans with his physical transformation, starring in a highlight moment in the preseason game against the Bulls.
Former No. 1 pick Zion Williamson did not disappoint in his long-awaited return to the court. The former Duke sensation returned to action after missing 514 days due to a broken Jones in his right foot, following a lengthy rehab process.
One physical specimen, Zion, had visibly put on some weight during this time in rehab, and his public appearances are evidence of this. The 6-foot-6 forward’s weight had reportedly ballooned to 300 pounds, earning him a lot of flak, with the likes of Shaquille O’Neal and Charles Barkley mocking him.
(images from Zion warming)
“Chuck, you had a visceral reaction to this.”
Chuck: “Looks like Shaq and I had a baby.”
Shaq: “I quit.” pic.twitter.com/TwnsZwitya
– Tell me (@DimeUPROXX) November 3, 2021
Amid all these attacks on Zion, reports suggested this was the way the Pelicans forward wanted out. However, the recent physical transformation of the 22-year-old disproved all these conspiracies. The former Duke seems to have fed off all the criticism, working hard in the gym, dropping to 284 pounds.
“I feel like I’m at my best right now… Moving faster, jumping higher. I feel great.”
–@Zionwilliamson pic.twitter.com/8GPlRBsxnl
— New Orleans Pelicans (@PelicansNBA) September 26, 2022
During the recent offseason, Zion signed a 5-year, $193 million extension with the Pelicans, ending rumors that he is unhappy in New Orleans. However, a clause in the contract states that the All-Star forward will have to control his weight and body fat.
Zion Williamson’s new contract extension will require his weight and body fat percentage to add up to less than 295, for @cclark_13
Failure to do so could reduce your guaranteed money. pic.twitter.com/vjCaqNQ33t
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) July 28, 2022
Also Read: Can Zion Williamson Replicate Michael Jordan’s Greatness After Returning From Injury?
Making his return against the Bulls in a preseason game, the former ACC Player of the Year left everyone in awe.
NBA Twitter reacts to Zion Williamson’s comeback performance.
Happy to be back 😁 @Zionwilliamson pic.twitter.com/vmmlZudo8Q
— NBA Television (@NBATV) October 5, 2022
“No” – Zion Williamson
Watch live on TNT and in the NBA apphttps://t.co/rtPKXguol7 pic.twitter.com/wduiSCppVK
— NBA (@NBA) October 5, 2022
Welcome back, @Zionwilliamson
📸 @PelicansNBA pic.twitter.com/WqNuBCiTRd
— NBA Television (@NBATV) October 5, 2022
After 514 days, Zion Williamson is back in the NBA.
Take him back to the first game he dressed for the Pelicans 💪pic.
twitter.com/OLqBD7QCUP
— Clutch Points (@ClutchPointsApp) October 4, 2022
Come back as if you never left 💪
Zion Williamson throws it down from the baseline! 😤pic.twitter.com/kPvaEzQUTH
— Clutch Points (@ClutchPointsApp) October 5, 2022
The Zion effect 💪@Zionwilliamson | #WBD | @PelicansNBA pic.twitter.com/8v6IrBGejp
— Bally Sports New Orleans (@BallySportsNO) October 4, 2022
Though his durability remains a concern, Zion’s current fitness levels surely serve as a warning to the league.
Also read: Shaquille O’Neal wants the ‘great’ Zion Williamson back, doesn’t care too much about the 284-pound version of him
