New Orleans Pelicans troll Stephen A. Smith after he mocks Zion Williamson’s weight
Stephen A. Smith offered some scathing criticism of New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson during Friday’s “Get Up.”
Smith, addressing which team is under the most pressure in the second half of the season, went with the Pelicans, but zeroed in on Williamson — specifically his weight.
“Zion Williamson, it’s not about his game,” Smith said. “It’s about how many burgers he’s eating. Whether or not he is going to be in shape or keep eating McDonald’s and have chefs clamoring for him to come to their restaurants … That’s what he has to prove, that the chefs don’t love him any longer. That he’s committed to playing basketball and being in shape.”
Smith comments soon went viral. The Pelicans, however, had quite the retort. Whereas Smith took a jab at Williamson’s physique, The Pelicans’ social media team went after the NBA analyst’s playing career. Smith notably played basketball at Winston-Salem State University.
No caption needed.
Smith has long been critical of the former No. 1 overall pick out of Duke, routinely taking aim at his weight and eating habits. Williamson, 23, is currently listed at 6-foot-6, 284 pounds on the Pelicans’ official website. During a December episode of “First Take,” Smith claimed he heard that Williamson would “eat the table” at restaurants in New Orleans.
“It is shameful. I got chefs in New Orleans. I’m not exaggerating,” Smith said. “I’m not exaggerating, I’m quoting people. You got chefs in New Orleans who love him. They’re looking for him. Every chef there wants to meet him because they know he’ll show up to their restaurant. The word out on Zion Williamson is that he’ll eat the table.”
Zion Williamson showing up for Pelicans this season
The oft-injured Williamson, who played in just 29 games over the past two seasons, has been healthy this season, suiting up in 45-of-56 games. He’s averaging 22.5 points, 5.4 rebounds and 4.9 assists per game, shooting 58.5% from the field and 36.4% from behind the arc. The Pelicans (34-22) sit fifth in the Western Conference standings, currently riding a four-game winning streak. Williamson is a big reason for their success.
“We’re seeing Zion get better and better as the season progresses,” Pelicans head coach Willie Green said after New Orleans’ 127-105 victory over the Houston Rockets Thursday, in which Williamson scored 27 points. “This is what happens when you put the ball in his hands, especially early.”