During his playing years, Sir Charles Barkley was never the most in-shape player in the league. The Hall of Famer spoke from experience as he provided some words of wisdom for New Orleans Pelicans star Zion Williamson, who appears to be struggling with his weight right now.

According to Barkley, he's been in this exact situation many years ago. This is exactly why he believes someone from the Pelicans better give Zion a harsh dose of reality.

“It looked like me and Shaq had a baby,” Barkley hilariously described Zion's current shape, via Bill DiFilippo of UPROXX.

“I’m concerned. I am really concerned about … I tell this story, and I’m being critical, it is what it is. Moses Malone said to me, he said I was fat and lazy. And I started to cry a little bit.”

Barkley said that Malone's criticism served as “the turning point of my career.” Sir Charles then continued raising his concerns about the Pelicans stud:

“He’s already hurt, you should not get hurt when you’re young,” Barkley said. “And he’s already had surgeries on his legs, now he’s got a broken foot, he gonna have to learn, even when you’re hurt, you’re gonna have to control your eating. When guys get hurt, Adam, and they come back, you’re trying to get in shape. And if you’re putting on that stress on your knees and your feet, you’re just gonna keep getting hurt.

“Somebody’s got to be a grown person down in that relationship and say, ‘Yo, man, you got to get in shape.’”

Fair point from Barkley here. The fact that he's also speaking from his own personal experience makes his statement even more relevant.

Zion Williamson has yet to make his debut for the Pelicans this season and, right now, it is clear that his injuries are preventing him from reaching his full potential. There's no denying that Williamson's health has become a real concern for New Orleans and for his part, Barkley believes that this all starts from his weight.