Shannon Sharpe has took aim at Zion Williamson again.
The former NFL star used his ‘Nightcap’ podcast to claim that the New Orleans Pelicans forward lacks motivation in a devastating rant over his weight.
Williamson is reported to be in the best shape of his career, with recent claims that he is down to a weight of 264 pounds.
That is the lightest he has been since the Pelicans drafted him in 2019, Williamson stared the season at 284 pounds and has dropped 20 pounds since training camp.
The 24-year-old has struggled with his injuries throughout his careers often caused by his weight and the issues have meant it’s been part of his contract targets.
Williamson signed a five-year, $197.2 million extension with the Pelicans in 2022 but the deal was structured with certain conditions in case he cannot keep his physical condition.
To get 20 percent of his salary, Williamson has to keep his combined weight at less than 295 lbs and have a body fat percentage of less than 11%.
The remaining 80 percent of Williamson’s salary becomes guaranteed based on the number of games he plays in the previous season.
He gets 40 percent of his money guaranteed if he plays in 41 games, 20 percent if he plays in 51 games and 20 percent if he plays in 61 games.
So far this season, Williamson has enjoyed a good season with the six-year veteran averaging 24.5 points, 7.5 rebounds and 4.8 assists per game despite being on a minutes restrictions.
Despite a strong season and being fitter, Williamson was still criticised by Sharpe who took a dig at the former No 1 overall pick’s motivation and the fact he even needs such a clause.
“The only thing that is sustainable is self motivation, because you get so but you get enough money, then it won’t move you,” he said.
“LeBron James played like he ain’t got a dime. Michael Jordan played like he didn’t have a dime.
“Peyton Manning, Tom Brady, all those great Ray Lewis, Michael Strahan, Reggie White, all the greats, because it is not the money that’s motivating them.”
Sharpe further criticised the weight clause and the uniqueness of a player having incentives to stay fit.
“At what point, how much money do I need? I just hope he gets it and says, ‘You know what? Da** it. Enough of this. This is embarrassing,” Sharpe added.
“I’m a professional athlete, and these people got to put clauses in my contract. I’m making 200 million, and they gotta incentivize it, just so I can get it’. Let that sink in.”
Williamson would do well to ignore criticism and focus on turning around his franchise fortunes.
The Pelicans sit 14th in a stacked West and are struggling with a 14-43 record as they have a roster decimated by injuries.
The Louisiana side are on track to finish with the franchise’s worst regular season record since the 2004-05 season.
They round out February with a home game against the San Antonio Spurs, before a double header against the Phoenix Suns.