Zion Williamson admits struggles with diet previously in career

During a recent interview with Gilbert Arenas, Zion Williamson spoke candidly about his diet struggles. “I’m just putting people around me with wisdom.”

Zion Williamson has appeared in just 114 regular-season games in four years. Recently, the New Orleans Pelicans star and former No. 1 pick in the 2019 NBA Draft sat down with Gilbert Arenas and opened up about his weight, injuries, and offseason approach.

Gilbert Arenas asked Zion. “Is it hard to diet at your age?”

Zion answered honestly. “Since it’s you, I’ll be real. There are times that I will say, man that s**t hard. It’s hard man.” Zion’s distinct frame has been a topic of discussion since he entered the league.

Injuries have kept Williamson off the court. As a rookie, Zion played in just 24 games due to a knee injury. Then, he missed the entire 2021-22 NBA season with a foot injury. Lastly, this season, he was limited to 29 games due to his hamstring.

As a result of these injuries and constant rehabilitation, Zion’s weight has fluctuated. Unfortunately, the media pointed this out and attacked him for it. Despite Williamson putting his body through the wringer, sacrificing his health for the game he loves, certain media and fans still shame him.

Pelicans: Zion Williamson just wants to hoop

Zion made it clear that despite the injuries disrupting his rhythm, all he wants is to get back on the court.

“What I want people to know about me is: I just wanna hoop. I wanna be out there. I don’t wanna be on the sideline. You think I wanna sit over there hurt? I don’t.” Zion said there were “a lot of things” he could’ve done better, and that he’s in the process of fixing those wrongs.

Memphis Grizzlies big, Xavier Tillman, who was also a guest on Gil’s Arena, asked Zion if this summer has been more cardio or more dieting. Zion’s response should excite Pelicans fans.

“It’s more of locking in on flexibility, band work,” Williamson said. “I think it’s those things that will be able to keep me on the court longer rather than losing a bunch of weight and coming to play.”

Hopefully, Williamson can enter next season healthy and stay that way. Because when Zion is healthy, he’s one of the most powerful offensive players in the NBA. (To jog your memory, here is Zion’s record-breaking NBA debut)