Shannon Sharpe places blame squarely on Zion Williamson's lack of discipline for tense situation with Pelicans: "Not the team's fault"

Zion Williamson was one of the most hyped prospects in NBA history when he entered the league in 2019. Coming off a terrific season with Duke, Williamson was drafted first overall by the New Orleans Pelicans, who felt they found a new franchise cornerstone after Anthony Davis' departure.

However, Williamson has only played 190 games across six seasons and is injured to start the 2024-25 campaign. Nursing a hamstring injury, Williamson has watched the Pelicans sink to a 4-15 record following a promising showing last season where they reached the first round of the playoffs after surviving the play-in tournament.

NFL analyst Shannon Sharpe has commented on the Pelicans’ situation with Williamson, blaming the player instead of the team for a rough start.

“Zion has the problem. Like I told my kids, I can’t want something more than for yourself. Everybody wants Zion to be in shape except Zion. Everybody wants Zion to be disciplined except Zion,” said Sharpe in his nighttime sports talk show titled Nightcap.

“So, how can the team want something more for him, than something for himself? That’s why they put it in his contract…that he has to hit weight clauses, because they know him."

Williamson has had various injuries in his knees, feet, and hamstrings throughout the years, causing him to miss most of his NBA career. In the past offseason, he signed a five-year extension worth $197 million, which also stipulated that his combined body weight and fat remain under 295 pounds.

However, the forward has fallen once more early this season, last playing in a November 7 game against the Cleveland Cavaliers where he scored 29 points, eight rebounds, and four assists in a losing effort.

Williamson remains optimistic about the Pelicans’ season

After starting the season with two wins, the Pelicans have lost 15 of their last 17 games with Williamson sidelined for most of it. Despite the struggles, the two-time All-Star remained composed and confident about the team’s ability to turn their season around.

“We know the position we are in right now…it’s not a good one at the moment. We come in the gym every day in good spirits. We are going to figure it out."

He also addressed his injury, saying that he remains positive about his progression despite another setback in his career.

“I have to follow protocol and guidelines. Staying in good spirits. Rehab is going great. I’m on track. That’s all I can do right now."

In six games, Williamson is averaging 22.7 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 5.3 assists per game being the focal point for the Pelicans.