ZION WILLIAMSON - BASKET-NBA-ALLSTAR-PRESS-CONFERENCE
Zion Williamson, of the New Orleans Pelicans, speaks during a media availability as part of the 2023 NBA All-Star Weekend in Salt Lake City, Utah, on February 18, 2023. Photo by PATRICK T. FALLON/AFP via Getty Images

Former NBA player and TNT analyst Charles Barkley had some advice for New Orleans Pelicans star Zion Williamson if he wants a long and successful career in the NBA.

"I wish I could sit down with Zion [Williamson] and say 'yo man, you got so much talent but you gonna have to lose some weight & get in shape because unless you get in shape, you can't play basketball,'" the 1993 NBA Most Valuable Player said.

Charles Barkley Wants Zion Williamson to Lose Weight

The 11-time NBA All-Star also mentioned that a lot of NBA players "ate their way out of the NBA."

This is not the first time that Barkley commented on Williamson's weight. After the former Duke player received a massive five-year extension worth $193 million in June 2022, Barkley said that he would be the skinniest power forward in the history of civilization if he had that kind of deal.

The 2019 draft 1st overall pick's career has been hampered by two season-ending injuries for the past two years. He missed the entirety of the 2021-22 NBA season due to a Jones foot fracture and only appeared in 29 games this season due to a hamstring issue.

His rookie campaign also saw him tear his meniscus in the preseason.

When healthy, Williamson has shown flashes of brilliance. He was named an All-Star in 2021 in his healthiest season and again this year before his season-ending injury.

However, the Pelicans forward was not able to participate in the All-Star festivities this year and was replaced by Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards.