NBA legend not sold on Zion Williamson's physical transformation

Nearly every offseason, photos of a leaner Zion Williamson surface, sparking excitement among New Orleans Pelicans fans. That trend has persisted this season, with Williamson citing a new workout regimen and dietary choices as key to his physical transformation. 

Hall of Famer Steve Nash is unwilling to fall for the old trick. 

Is Zion Williamson's weight loss legitimate?

During his appearance on the "Zach Lowe Show," Nash said it may be premature to assume that Williamson can maintain his leaner physique throughout the 2025-26 season. The two-time MVP made the comments when discussing the pressure on Williamson to carry a Pelicans team that will start the season without Dejounte Murray and Kevon Looney.

"A lot more will depend on Zion, a guy who we're not even sure, like, he's lost the weight, and he's come in, and we think he's in a position to come in and succeed and do well this year," Nash said. "That'll be a lot of pressure on him, and those tires have worn out quickly in the past. A little bit concerned as you are."

Nash's comments about Williamson's tires getting "worn out" were a reference to the Duke alum's inability to complete a season healthy. 

Zion Williamson risks losing millions

Since entering the NBA as the No. 1 overall pick in 2019, Williamson has played 60 or more games only twice due to injuries. All in all, he has missed 268 out of a possible 482 regular-season games, which includes sitting out the entire 2021-22 season due to a right foot injury.

For Williamson, the weight loss is as much a healthier choice as it is a necessity to continue earning millions from the Pelicans. The final three years of his contract are non-guaranteed, and are predicated on him playing a specific number of games and maintaining an optimal weight/bodyfat at various checkpoints.

Many analysts have questioned Williamson's motive for losing weight and whether it's solely to ensure he receives his full salary. Retired NBA guard Jeff Teague believes Williamson will probably revert to his old habits once his contract becomes guaranteed. 

"You chose to eat, be out of shape, all that," Teague said of Williamson, via Complex. "Now, all of a sudden, it's a contract year probably or looking for an extension. All of a sudden, he's in shape, and he said they believe in me."

Williamson will get a chance to prove his naysayers wrong in the 2025-26 season. Last year, he appeared in only 30 games due to a hamstring strain and a lower-back contusion.