Clearly, the New Orleans Pelicans didn’t take too kindly to NBA analyst Stephen A. Smith’s recent criticism towards Zion Williamson.
Smith on ESPN’s ‘Get Up’ challenged Williamson, who’s made headlines across his career due to injuries and off-court issues including at times appearing to not be in peak physical condition, for the former Pick 1’s commitment to staying “in shape.”
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“Zion Williamson, it’s not about his game. It’s about how many burgers he’s eating and whether or not he’s gonna be in shape. Or is he gonna keep eating McDonald’s?,” Smith said on the program.
“That’s what he has to prove — that the chefs don’t love him any longer, that he’s committed to playing basketball and being in shape.”
Well, the Pelicans social media team fired back in a not-so-subtle way.
The team posted a graphic of Smith’s college basketball stats, where he averaged just 1.5 points per game in one season followed by a montage of Smith’s “highlights.”
To no great surprise, the often outspoken Smith responded via X (formerly known as Twitter).
“LESS!!! Can’t score when you can’t play due to a devastating knee injury. That’s my fact,” Smith posted on social media.
“Now……what’s y’all excuse for never winning anything??? Can’t wait to see y’all in April. May and June? We won’t even go there! Good Luck! Tell my boys…Coach Green and CJ I’m always rooting for them.”
Smith continued in a seperate post: “I could zero in but I won’t! I happen to be fans of several players, plus the coach and definitely that city. You play. I’ll be watching. I’m not going anywhere! Good luck!
“Oh, by the way……I think y’all already know y’all can’t TALK nearly as much as me. So…..be my guest! I’ve got 24/7…….365 days a year!”
Williamson has averaged 22.5 points per game, 5.4 rebounds and 4.9 assists for the 34-22 Pelicans, who sit fifth in the Western Conference.
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