Pelicans Concerned With Zion Williamson's Eating Habits?

 

The New Orleans Pelicans have been trying everything to get their larger-than-life forward back on the court this season... Including even changing the team's "culinary practices."

Pelicans reportedly changed culinary practices and staff to support Zion Williamson: https://t.co/HwkHiVLc6M

— Complex Sports (@ComplexSports) November 19, 2021

Once your team's culinary staff comes into question, you know you've got an eating problem.  

ESPN's Brian Windhorst and Andrew Lopez were discussing the many ways in which the Pelicans have been nurturing Zion, trying to get him back to full health and in game-shape, when the news about the dietary changes came to light. 

This could be due to the fact that Williamson's weight has become a rather... weighty problem. When video leaked a couple of weeks back on Zion's rather heavy frame doing some on-court drills, it became apparent just how large a problem it's become. 

The Pels, in fact, have been pouring "resources, time and energy to protect Williamson's health." This has included sending tapes to the league office to show how opponents are beating him up (when he does play), as well as staffing changes, including the culinary measures. 

Williamson, who averaged 27 points a game for New Orleans in his second season last year, has not played a game yet for the Pels this season, after fracturing his foot early in the summer, and dropping the news on the rest of the league at the team's Media Day. 

At the time, both GM David Griffin and Zion himself said he expected to be back on the court for opening night. Here we are over a month later, and he's just been cleared for 1-on-1 contact drills. 

Photo Credit: Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports