Hall of Fame big man calls out Zion Williamson

Williamson's fitness issues and commitment have been talking points since he entered the NBA. He is often accused of carrying too much weight and not taking the nutritional side of being a professional athlete seriously. The former Duke standout has also dealt with multiple injuries that have kept him sidelined for the majority of his career.

As such, seeing Williamson struggle so profoundly against LeBron wasn't unexpected, but it was disappointing. When he entered the NBA, Williamson was supposed to be the next superstar. An athletic forward with an elite second jump and the potential to develop into a high-level playmaker. At present, it doesn't look like he will reach that potential.

Sure, Williamson will be an All-Star talent. His size, physicality, and skill level will ensure that. But becoming a franchise player, who is a sure-fire Hall of Fame candidate and a widely viewed generational talent? That looks a million miles away right now.

Williamson has some serious ground to make up if he wants to be the player the Pelicans believe he can be. It all starts with remaining fit and prioritizing his diet. If he continues on his current path, he will become one of the biggest "what ifs" in NBA history. For a player who promised so much, that would be a tragedy.