Zion Williamson’s weight has been a sizzling button concern since he first emerged as an elite prospect. SB Nation first profiled Williamson when he was simply starting his senior yr of highschool at USA Basketball’s junior minicamp. Earlier than the camp, Williamson was listed at 235 kilos. When he was really measured on the occasion, he weighed in at 274 kilos. That was as a 17-year-old.
Williamson was listed at 285 kilos at Duke, and has been listed at 284 kilos by the New Orleans Pelicans after changing into the No. 1 decide within the 2019 draft. After taking part in solely 24 video games as a rookie due to harm points, Williamson performed at a celebrity stage in his second season, averaging 27 factors per recreation on 61.1 % taking pictures. Then he missed the whole thing of his third season with a damaged foot regardless of the suggestion he would return in some unspecified time in the future within the season. The Pelicans made the playoffs anyway and put a scare into the league-best Phoenix Suns within the first spherical.
Now Williamson is coming again to New Orleans for yr 4, and he’s doing it on a brand new long-term contract. That contract reportedly comprises a clause that enables the Pelicans to remove assured cash primarily based on his weight and physique fats share.
Zion Williamson’s extension comprises escalators that kick in if he makes All-NBA/wins MVP subsequent season. It additionally comprises de-escalators which are tied to his conditioning, sources inform @NOLAnews.
Particulars right here: https://t.co/RsEkzkZbZg
— Christian Clark (@cclark_13) July 28, 2022
Christian Clark of Nola.com reported that New Orleans can subtract cash from Williamson’s contract if the sum of his weight and physique fats share is above 295 kilos.
Williamson’s deal was reported to be a five-year, $193 million contract with escalators that would push it to $231 million. Now we all know there are de-escalators within the deal to guard the Pelicans, too.
Williamson reportedly weighed in north of 300 kilos whereas he was injured this yr. There was extra panic over his weight after a viral picture surfaced on Twitter. In fact, it’s arduous to remain in form when you’ve gotten a fractured fifth metatarsal bone in your proper foot like Williamson did. It’s not like you are able to do cardio with that sort of harm.
Williamson ought to be poised for a monster yr if he can keep wholesome. He proved he was already among the finest gamers on the planet throughout his second season. The West appears loaded once more, however you can also make a case for the Pelicans to rise as excessive because the No. 4 seed subsequent season behind the Warriors, Clippers, and Nuggets.
Williamson now has all of the motivation on the planet to remain in form. As followers, let’s simply hope he can stay wholesome.