New Orleans Pelicans: Weight Problem!

New Orleans Pelicans: Weight Problem!

The New Orleans Pelicans are finally healthy this season. They have been winning games. They are currently 18–12 in record and currently placed in the seventh seed. Zion Williamson is dunking like a manic this season, and Brandon Ingram's game has been smooth as silk. Those two are having a borderline All-Star season. David Griffin deserves a Nobel Peace Prize. He turned a bad franchise around, making them respectable. He has done it in Cleveland and is doing it again. The Pelicans have done a good job rebuilding over the past few years. They have found diamond gems in the draft and signed some decent veterans. New Orleans has everything going well for them. The question that comes is: how much of a problem is Zion’s weight?

Zion Williamson is averaging career lows this season. But there is no doubt that he is having a borderline All-Star season. So far this season, Zion has averaged 22 points per game with a 58 percent shooting percentage. He has also averaged 6 rebounds and 4.5 assists per game. These stats are what most players dream of. The young star has become a must-see on TV. He can dunk like it's nothing, looking like a real-life Space Jam character. However, Zion Williamson has made two All-Star games in his four-year career. Yet, questions always arise about his lifestyle and off-court demeanor. https://www.nba.com/player/1629627/zion-williamson

Zion is a special talent who can shoot the ball, finish at the rim with ease, pass, and is a walking highlight reel. But the problem is, Zion enjoys eating at McDonalds and Burger King. He prefers the best seafood in the world in New Orleans instead of a proper diet and exercise. The Pelicans have taken issue with Zion’s weight. They have had many interventions trying to convince him to drop the pounds. The weight has hurt his team and his financial situation.

The Pelicans have an interesting contract with the two-time All-Star. If he does not play a certain number of games, his contract is no longer guaranteed. David Griffin is a fucking genius. He implemented a contract that gives the Pelicans some flexibility. The franchise no longer guarantees Zion's last three years. They can waive him if he doesn't fit into their future plans. Of course, if Zion controls his weight, he can play out his contract and make the money that he signed for. The contract motivates Zion to lose the weight. He has to reach 285 pounds and 10 percent body weight. Franchises shouldn't be in a position where they force athletes to meet these requirements. The first pick should motivate himself to work hard at the gym rather than eat everything he sees. https://www.blackenterprise.com/zion-williamsons-contract-not-guaranteed/

The weight issue has not only been a discussion in the Pelicans front office. It has also been talked about in the media. Hall of Famer Carmelo Anthony had an interesting take on Zion's weight. "He said, .”You have to discipline yourself when you are in that position." His comment indicates that league legends have questioned Zion's work ethic and self-control. This has not helped him make the expected jump. Stephen A. Smith, a famous journalist, said this about Zion: "Every chef there wants to meet him. They know he’ll show up to their restaurant." The SAS statement reflects a popular sentiment: "Look how fat Zion is" this is something all fans say when they sit and watch him play. https://www.si.com/nba/2023/12/11/espn-stephen-a-smith-says-zion-williamson-appetite-notorious-eat-table https://www.blackenterprise.com/carmelo-anthony-suggests-discipline-to-zion-williamson/

Even Hall of Famers with weight issues in the past said, "I couldn't play back-to-back games until I lost 50 pounds." This information comes from Charles Barkley. “That's why he'll get 35 one night and 15 the other night. Because he can't sustain it." He reflects back on his career. He talked about the weight issues that he has dealt with throughout his career. He explained how he overcame it. Shaq even touched on Zion. He said, "I sat there and watched him. You know, I said he doesn't run hard. He doesn't create easy baskets for himself. It looked like he wasn't ready.. “Shaq has questioned the young All-Star’s heart and his willingness to show the world how dominant he is. Zion will always face criticism for his weight until he fixes his habits. He could become a "what if." There has been a lot of talk about Zion's habits. Due to Zion being always talked about it has led Brandon Ingram to becoming underrated. https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nba/news/shaquille-oneal-charles-barkley-zion-williamson-comments/6b038795f71d227aa49e8fc2

Brandon Ingram is a star. He is a threat on both sides of the court. His mid-range game is a work of art. He is one hell of a passer. This season, BI is putting up 23 points on 50 percent shooting, with 5 assists and 5 rebounds. Brandon Ingram's elite statline could make him an All-Star again. There's no doubt that BI is one of the best young players in the league. I'll argue that, at times, he's been the best player on the Pelicans. The young star is soon to be due for an extension. He has put it on hold in hopes of getting more money. Brandon Ingram has a chip on his shoulder and wants to prove to his franchise why he is worth the money that he demands. https://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/3913176/brandon-ingram

If Kevin Durant is Coke, then Brandon Ingram is Coke Zero. Even though Coke Zero isn’t better than Coke, it is still a tasty refreshment to drink. The young all-star can score from anywhere on the court. This forces defenders to scheme against him. He can finish around the rim, shoot mid-range, and do post-ups, and his ability to pass is out of this world. His game is smooth as silk and he is one of the most exciting players to watch. . Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram are two of the best young duos in the NBA. With the young players surrounding them, there's no doubt the Pelicans are one of the best teams.

Herb Jones has become a starting shooting guard in the NBA. He has been a great defender for the Pelicans, as he is averaging 1.5 steals per game and 1 block per game. Herb is one of the best help defenders for the Pelicans, and he makes it hard for guards to create their own shot. Despite Jose Alvarado being 6’0 tall, he has the heart of a  7-foot-tall giant. Jose plays hard on defense and hustles every play. He has been solid off the bench, as he is good at dictating the second unit. https://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/4277813/herbert-jones

Jordan Hawkins has been a gem this past draft. Since being on the team, he has excelled as a three-point shooter. Unfortunately, due to the talent pool on the roster, he has not seen the court much. Since coming back to the Pelicans, Trey Murphy III, off of a torn meniscus, has been good off the bench. This season, he’s been an elite scorer, averaging 16 points per game. He shoots 50 percent and 43 percent from three. Murphy has been a good rotational player for the Pelicans. Murphy has been a good rotational player for the Pelicans. Dyson Daniels is another guard who can defend pretty well. He has also been developing an offensive game. https://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/4397688/trey-murphy-iii

The Pelicans have done an elite job building their team with young players. Naji Marshall is another 25-year-old with a great three-point shot. Kira Lewis Jr. is another young guy that the Pelicans have on their roster. David Griffin has done one hell of a job in the drafts. There is no doubt that he is one of the best general managers in the league. The Pelicans could become a championship team in the future, as long as he has the key to the kingdom. The franchise has done an incredible job. They surrounded these players with the right veterans.

Though CJ McCollum has been on the decline of his NBA career, he has still been one of the best players for the Pelicans. His Portland days are long gone. But there is no doubt that he is a great veteran for the locker room and a solid third option. Cody Zeller is a veteran big who comes off the bench. The Houston Rockets released Jeremiah Earl Robinson. Now, he has found himself at home in New Orleans. He has managed to crack the rotation and be a decent role player. Jonas Valanciunas has been on the decline in his career. He is not known for being a good defender, but he has been a solid offensive player his whole career. The big man is a good rebounder, can shoot the three, and is good with post-up shots. Larry Nance Jr. has not been healthy this season, but once he’s back, he’ll be a good backup big for the Pelicans. David Griffin has done a good job when it comes to having a good locker room presence. These veterans can help guide the young players.

The New Orleans Pelicans did an awesome job building a team around their two lottery pick stars. But the question is, can Zion control his weight? Instead of Dunkin Donuts, Zion should focus on staying healthy for the Pelicans so they can make a run. David Griffin deserves all the credit in the world for building a talented roster. He surrounded them with good veterans. The future of the franchise is in Zion's hands. If he controls it, he can take the Pelicans to new heights and have an expected Hall of Fame resume.