On Monday night, Zion Williamson, a piñata for national pundits in recent days, responded in the best way possible: with a 36-point outburst in a season-best win over Minnesota. It was the second 30-plus-point effort for Williamson in recent days, quieting (for now) the critics who have largely wondered the same thing.
What’s wrong with Zion Williamson?
On paper, Williamson is having a solid season. He’s averaging 23 points. He’s shooting 58.4%. His assist numbers (4.7 per game) are a career best. But his scoring and field goal percentages are down from last season, his rebounding (5.6) is a career low and he has not played with the same explosiveness in years past. That has opened the door for criticism from the likes of Shaquille O’Neal (“He does not run hard.”), Charles Barkley (“He's gotta get in shape.”) and Stephen A. Smith (“The word out on Zion Williamson is that he’ll eat the table.”)
