New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson. Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports

Stephen A. Smith rips Zion Williamson's conditioning

By Adam Taylor | Last updated 12/11/23

Stephen A. Smith is the latest member of the NBA ecosystem to question Zion Williamson's current fitness level.

Williamson's body composition has been a significant talking point since he entered the NBA in 2019. However, the conversation has once again become front and center after he looked miles behind 38-year-old LeBron James during the Pelicans in-season tournament semifinals loss to the Los Angeles Lakers.

On a recent episode of the "Stephen A. Smith Show," the ESPN anchor ripped Williamson for his lack of physical conditioning.

"He looks fat," Smith said. "While LeBron James had dropped 30 in three quarters, completely dominated, and looked in peak physical condition. Zion Williamson, whose more than 15 years younger, went to the free-throw line, I saw a belly. When he took a deep breath, his belly bounced, that type of belly...I know they got a weight clause in his contract; they've got to. He got to be violating it. He's addicted to food, I'm speculating, but it's gotta be...It's got to change."

pic.twitter.com/PUXHw9LR7v
— Stephen A Smith (@stephenasmith) December 10, 2023

Williamson can't escape the narratives surrounding his build and fitness. Even now, years after everyone doubted Nikola Jokic for not being athletic only for him to develop into one of the greatest players in the world, the media are still putting stock into a player's physical shape. Yes, being in game shape matters. You have to have a certain level of stamina and strength to succeed at the highest level. That looks different for everyone, though.

There's no doubt that Williamson needs to take the nutritional side of being a professional athlete more seriously. It's not because his body looks a certain way, though. It's because he clearly runs out of gas during games. Joel Embiid used to have the same problem.

People mature at different rates. Eventually, Williamson will stop relying on his natural ability and begin to realize he needs to put in the hard work if he wants to sustain his tenure in the NBA.

More must-reads: