Zion Williamson responds to Charles Barkley's conditioning comments / News - Basketnews.com

Last week, Charles Barkley roasted Zion Williamson for not being in shape. The two-time NBA All-Star took the chance to respond to the critique after dropping 33 points on Minnesota.

Credit: Michael Reaves/Getty Images/AFP; REUTERS/Marvin Gentry Credit Michael Reaves/Getty Images/AFP; REUTERS/Marvin Gentry

During halftime of the In-Season Tournament game between the New Orleans Pelicans and the Sacramento Kings, TNT analyst Charles Barkley was extremely critical of Zion Williamson for not fulfilling the expectation of being his team's best player.

Zion Williamson

MIN:31.02PTS:22.9 (60.79%)REB:5.55As:4.7ST:1.1BL:0.3TO:2.65GM:20ProfileNBA2023/2024

The 23-year-old had just 2 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 steal at halftime, and he ended the game with 10 points, 6 rebounds, 6 assists, and 3 steals. Barkley called him out for not being in shape.

"He's not in shape. He doesn't run, he plays the game strictly on talent," Barkley said. "He never runs on a fastbreak. He's kinda jogging on offense and defense. Somebody has got to get a hold of him cause he got so much talent, he's gonna be somewhat successful... He could be special."

"He's got two guys on his team that are better players than him and they shouldn't be," said Barkley, referring to Brandon Ingram and CJ McCollum. "He should be the best player and he's not even close."

“I've told you, "I've been very disappointed. He's averaging six rebounds a game. He's only had two double-doubles all season," Barkley continued. "A big guy that talented should never get less than 10 rebounds. He should be averaging 11-12 rebounds a game. But he doesn’t run the floor at all."

Barkley is not sure, though, that Zion has someone around him who will make him get into shape.

"I don't know if he has a Moses Malone who told me I was fat and lazy," Barkley continued. "He owns that organization already, but if he could get in shape, this team, you would not wanna play this team."

Williamson responded Barkley's comments a week later, after he had a big game in the Pelicans’ 121-107 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Monday night. Williamson scored 33 points on 13/17 shooting from the field in that game.

Asked if he viewed their comments as a 'legitimate critique,' Williamson essentially said he appreciates it so long as it comes from a good place.

"If it comes from a great place and a place where they just wanna see me do better, thank you," Williamson said. "But if it comes from anywhere else, everyone's entitled to their own opinion. Can't control that," he replied.

This is far from the first time that Barkley has roasted Zion for not being in shape. He has repeatedly warned the two-time All-Star that he has to drop some weight and is clearly unhappy with the lack of progress on that front.

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