Zion Opens Up About Toughest Moment

The injury that sidelined Williamson for the entire 2021-22 season was a Jones fracture in his right foot, which he suffered during the offseason. While rehabbing in Portland, doctors expressed uncertainty about whether his foot would properly heal following surgery. During this period, Williamson's weight reportedly climbed over 300 pounds, drawing public criticism from fans, media, and former NBA players like Charles Barkley and Shaquille O'Neal. The critiques questioned his physical condition and his dedication to the sport. Despite him missing an entire season, the New Orleans Pelicans signed Williamson to a five-year rookie max extension in July 2022 worth a guaranteed $193 million. The deal, however, included clauses related to weight management and games played. After Williamson played in just 29 games during the 2022-23 season due to a separate hamstring injury, the final three years of that extension became non-guaranteed. This gives the Pelicans financial flexibility if his injury issues persist. Upon his return in the 2022-23 season, he was named an All-Star for the second time, averaging 26 points, 7 rebounds, and 4.6 assists across those 29 games. That season, he also scored a career-high 43 points in a game against the Minnesota Timberwolves. The emotional interview with ESPN's Malika Andrews followed a recent ankle sprain. The injury was notable because it snapped a career-best streak of 35 consecutive games played, a rare stretch of good health for a player who has missed more games than he has played in his career.