When New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson arrived at the team’s media day on September 23 with a noticeably leaner frame, it sparked a mix of praise and speculation.
The 25-year-old has long battled weight-related challenges and a string of injuries, so his new look was seen by many as a sign of renewed commitment. But one former NFL player and sports commentator raised eyebrows with a bold allegation that Williamson’s transformation may not be purely the result of hard work and clean eating.
Appearing on his podcast with co-host and ex-NFL running back LeSean McCoy, former linebacker Emmanuel Acho didn’t mince words. After viewing side-by-side images of Williamson from this season and last, Acho stated flatly, “I know Ozempic when I see it.”
Referring to the popular weight-loss drug often prescribed for managing type 2 diabetes, he doubled down by referencing other celebrities who he believes may have used it, including tennis icon Serena Williams.
“I don’t even need these glasses to spot it,” Acho said during the segment.
Williamson has been under a microscope since entering the league as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft. Injuries have plagued his young career, limiting him to just 214 games out of a possible 472 – a troubling 45.3% availability rate.
Those setbacks have included knee, hamstring, and foot issues, with many analysts linking them to his weight, which at one point hovered near 284 pounds at 6-foot-6.
Training over medication? Zion responds
While Acho’s comments gained traction, Williamson addressed the changes himself, crediting a revamped training plan crafted with Pelicans performance coach Daniel Bove.
“We came up with a plan – from boxing to football field workouts to random training exercises,” Williamson explained during media day. He added that he started noticing tangible changes last season: “There was a shift in my body. It feels good to feel good again.”
This transformation also comes amid stricter accountability from the Pelicans’ front office. Williamson’s recent five-year, $197 million contract extension reportedly includes clauses that tie parts of his earnings to maintaining specific weight and body fat targets. It’s a clear sign that the organization is serious about preserving his long-term health and investment potential.
Pelicans executive Joe Dumars, known for his no-nonsense approach, has added veterans Kevan Looney and Jordan Poole in hopes of building a playoff-caliber team. The belief is that a healthier, more disciplined Williamson could finally lead New Orleans into serious contention.
Acho, for his part, admitted that his critique came from a place of hope rather than cynicism. “Zion was supposed to be the next NBA superstar,” he said. “I just want to see it actually happen.”
Now, the burden is on Williamson to prove that the transformation, however it came about, translates into results on the court.
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