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Kenny Smith targets Zion Williamson’s conditioning, or is it body-shaming?


Zion Williamson in a Pelicans uniform holding a basketball.

Zion Williamson was examined for his weight before he ever played in the NBA. He has gained weight during the offseason and prominent critics Kenny Smith, and Charles Barkley have called him out. Is there a line between harsh criticisms and body shaming? Let's take an in-depth look.

Basketball: The Huskiest

Williamson is a big, agile, ferocious and nimble man. Williamson uses his body weight to penetrate the paint. Although Williamson's size is a plus, lately it has been out of control.

Williamson has been severely restricted in his ability to exercise due to an ankle injury. Williamson arrived at the New Orleans Pelicans with a weight of over 300 pounds. The photos of Williamson now and during his rookie season are amazing. Williamson's body is not surprising considering that analysts and legends in the NBA are so relentless about their coverage of young players.

You can lose weight by simply changing your diet

In the NBA mainstay Smith recently was asked by TMZ questions about Williamson's physique. Smith advised: "The easiest part is that he'll figure how to eat less. It's easy when you have it as your profession. He works hard to be a great basketball player. He'll figure it out." He then added, "it's not difficult, just eat less."

Others were more harsh. Barkley was also plagued by weight questions throughout his career. Barkley said Williamson looked like "me, Shaq, and a baby." Barkley stated that pointed barbs helped him get his act together. Moses Malone used to call him "lazy" and "fat," but it forced Barkley to reconsider his views. Barkley sees these jokes as a form tough love.

What's the Line?

People's bodies are constantly being attacked by tabloids. Every celebrity is either too big or too small. However, sports analysis is a job that involves studying bodies. Analysts must judge the height and weight of people. It is even more important to stay in good shape when there are millions-dollar contracts at the state.

Shawn Kemp and Pablo Sandoval are two examples of athletes who have signed with teams because they don't require weight requirements. While it is fair to question an athlete's fitness, some of these words are too extreme.

Smith's comments are similar to telling someone suffering from depression to be happy. ESPN has been criticised for body-shaming Williamson in his games. There is a distinction between being in poor shape and being large.

Williamson knows how to care for his body better than anyone. It is easy to forget Williamson is still learning. Williamson is only 21 years old and can't do cardio for several months. He has all the season to get in better shape. He's a great example of the difference between body shaming and fair criticism. Even with the best intentions, it's easy to fall into the former.

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By: Matthew Radulski
Title: Kenny Smith Targets Zion Williamson’s Conditioning, Is It Body-Shaming?
Sourced From: www.suggest.com/kenny-smith-targets-zion-williamsons-conditioning-is-it-body-shaming/2598379/
Published Date: Tue, 09 Nov 2021 18:00:00 +0000

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