Duke basketball: NBA Hall of Famers mock Zion Williamson

A pair of NBA Hall of Famers mocked ex-Duke basketball standout Zion Williamson. 

Former Duke basketball stud Zion Williamson has not been able to get on the court this season due to a broken bone in his foot suffered during the summer.

Video has slowly begun to emerge of Williamson working out on the court during pregame warmups with the training and coaching staff of the New Orleans Pelicans, but a couple of NBA Hall of Famers recently poked fun at the former Blue Devil.

Throughout this offseason, there have been many in the media who have expressed concern over Zion Williamson’s weight.

As TNT played the video of Williamson working out on the court during an episode of Inside the NBA, it did not take long for Charles Barkley and Shaquille O’Neal to comment on the former No. 1 overall pick’s weight.

ALSO READ: Duke players extremely confident heading into season

“It looks like me and Shaq had a baby,” Barkley said as O’Neal nearly walked off the set in laughter saying, “I quit.”

“I’m joking and I’m serious,” Barkley continued.

Williamson is currently listed on the Pelicans website as 6-foot-6, 284 pounds, but reports have surfaced that the All-Star has been upwards of 300 pounds at points this season.

Barkley, who has struggled with his weight both during and beyond his playing days, shared a story of Moses Malone calling him “lazy and fat” and mentioned how it was a turning point in his career.

Duke basketball star continues to remain sidelined

New Orleans Pelicans executive vice president of basketball operations David Griffin said at the team’s media day that he expected Zion Williamson to be ready for opening night, but the franchise cornerstone has yet to take the floor.

Head coach Willie Green said on Monday that Williamson will be re-evaluated in two-to-three weeks as the team continues to struggle this season.

The Pelicans have dropped nine of their first ten games this season and will continue to be without their best player for the foreseeable future.