NBA Hall of Famer Reggie Miller believes New Orleans Pelicans rookie star Zion Williamson needs to lose around 30 pounds.
Miller is the latest pundit who claims Williamson is too heavy.
It may be too unrealistic to ask Zion Williamson to lose 30 pounds. Maybe Reggie Miller means somewhere around that ballpark.
Williamson appeared in 24 games for the Pelicans during his rookie season after missing the beginning of the campaign recovering from knee surgery. The 2019 No. 1 overall pick averaged 22.5 points, 6.3 rebounds and 2.1 assists in 27.8 minutes per game. Williamson shot 58.3 percent from the field, 42.9 percent from beyond the arc (6/14) and 64.0 percent from the free-throw line.
Basketball-Reference has Williamson listed at 285 pounds. That number probably fluctuated throughout the season. Nevertheless, it's clear Williamson needs to lose weight so his joints aren't under so much strain moving forward, especially when you consider how explosive his game is.
Despite Williamson getting criticized left and right during his rookie season in regards to his weight, the high-flyer still had one of the most efficient rookie seasons in NBA history. However, the youngster has plenty to work on, especially his 3-point and free-throw shooting. Williamson also has to get more attentive on defense, but that will come with more game reps.
The Pelicans were a big disappointment in the bubble. However, the team can use their Orlando failures as motivation for the 2020-21 season.