For top pick, Zion Williamson, playing as many NBA games, is a must. However, he needs to be in the right shape to make sure that he is in it for the long haul. Aware that a lot of weight is on his shoulders to lift the New Orleans Pelicans, the 19-year-old knows that he needs to think long-term and not abruptly decide to suit up every single game.
It is no secret that Williamson's weight is a big problem. Standing only 6-foot-6, he weighs 284 lbs. and is the third heaviest player in the league behind Tacko Fall and Boban Marjanovic. However, the two players ahead of him are understandable, considering they are centers and stand taller. In fact, the players following the former Blue Devil (Nikola Jokic and Brook Lopez) are big men as well, 12up.com detailed.
Most know that Williamson missed a large part of the early part of the current NBA season due to a knee injury. His weight has been singled out as the reason and will continue to do so unless he finds a way to trim down. In the meantime, the burly forward plans to heed the Pelicans advice to think of longevity. It was one of the reasons why he sat out New Orleans match against the Indiana Pacers, Omnisport reported.
"They've been doing this for a long time and I'm just learning. I'm just following their guidance," Williamson said.
The added time of rest likely helped a bit. Against the Portland Trail Blazers, the top rookie returned and dropped a game-high 31 points in the win. He also hauled down nine rebounds, and five assists in a good all-around performance.
Though it was expected he would be playing on managed minutes, there is no telling how many consecutive games Williamson will be able to play. Seeing how the Pelicans could catch the last bus to the NBA playoffs, there is a decision to make on the part of New Orleans. They are currently at the 11th spot of the Western Conference but could catch up with a string of victories. But will the Pelicans force the issue and gamble on their prized rookie?
Seeing how the Pelicans may get nothing more than prestige, easing the pressure of Williamson is the best recourse. Brandon Ingram is having a fine season, but he obviously needs help if the postseason is a target.
If not now, Williamson needs to find a way to slim down. He is undersized and overweight, two extreme problems that could cut short his promising NBA career.
