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Every year, Zion Williamson comes into the offseason as the most important story in the NBA. Or rather, it is his conditioning that becomes the prime topic of discussion.

Over the years, it has become a repetitive telecast when either the Duke standout entered the season out of shape, and then he suffered injuries sometime during the campaign.

Or, like last season, when he lost a lot of weight during the offseason, but then seemed to gain it back over time, and then got injured again. These topics have become a subject of frustration for the New Orleans Pelicans.

Past greats of the game, such as Shaquille O’Neal and Charles Barkley, two players who have struggled with weight issues, warned the 6′ 6″ forward of the repercussions of his lack of conditioning.

Stephen A. Smith took it a step further and openly revealed his eating habits, raising questions over Zion Williamson’s desire to fulfill his potential and finish his career as a great basketball player.

This time, the 25-year-old talked about how good he felt at the Pelicans’ press conference. However, former player Jeff Teague believes it was absurd for him to talk about his fitness.

This is probably the dumbest press conference I’ve heard in my life. All this stuff is because of you. You choose to eat, be out of shape… Now you decide to lock in and do what pro athletes do, take care of themselves. I ain’t a fan no more.

Jeff Teague said on Club 520 Podcast

The former champion believes these claims are a way of setting himself up for his next contract, as the Pelicans might trade him if he does not play to his potential. Teague blamed Zion Williamson for his past struggles.

Jeff Teague claims Zion Williamson was not true to his profession

Jeff Teague has played in the NBA for 14 seasons and has seen how professional athletes, both the great ones and role players, work all year to be the best version of themselves. In Zion Williamson’s case, the former point guard believes he has not been true to his profession.

You get paid damn near $40 million to be in shape… You could have been like this for three years. I ain’t hating, get all the bread you can… C’mon, bro, you were the one damn near 300lbs.

Jeff Teague said

The Indianapolis native wants the Pelicans star to take accountability for his past actions. He was the one eating himself to being overweight, and it has had an impact on his game as well as on his body.

Despite being paid nearly $40 million every year, he only has himself to blame for his physical conditioning. Had he been professional, he would have taken the effort to at least get into peak shape for the season.

Rapper Cam’ron compares Zion Williamson to drug addict

Zion Williamson‘s claims at the New Orleans Pelicans press conference have gone viral. Even though he looks to be in his best shape, they are not convinced he has the motivation to stay fit.

While speaking on the podcast, It Is What It Is, rapper Cam’ron started off by talking about a drug addict in his old neighborhood. Whenever he used to see him, the addict would make him laugh with his jokes.

Then he used to give him some money whenever the addict held up signs, which would invariably end with Cam’ron laughing hysterically. But one fine day, the rapper recalls that the addict checked himself into rehab and became better.

After getting sober, his jokes were never as good as they used to be. Hence, the rapper did not feel the need to give him any money. Cam’ron then swiveled to talk about how the New Orleans Pelicans star‘s new physique earned the rapper’s respect.

However, his entertainment value to NBA fans has gone down, and now it would take a lot of effort to build himself up to become a star worthy of earning a major basketball contract down the road.

This article first appeared on FirstSportz and was syndicated with permission.

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