Stephen A Smith: Zion is a bust

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"The word 'bust' comes to mind, not because of [Zion's] talent." 😳 @stephenasmith reacts to the Pelicans shutting down Zion Williamson for the rest of the regular season. pic.twitter.com/OXEYLat5aX

— First Take (@FirstTake) April 1, 2025

[Speakthetruth]

Disappointment would be a better word. When he was drafted to the Pels their was so much hype now back chasing the number 1 pick .

[Darkhorse985]

He has been undependable, undisciplined, and inconsistent, but not quite yet a bust.

[P_B_&_G]

Since when does anyone cares about anything SAS says? Zion isn't a bust. Not yet anyway. He has time to prove himself. Time is getting short though. Maybe this will motivate him. Maybe...

[JJackisangry]

Technically he is this far. Definitely not all his fault though. I'm not sure any player has had to deal with this combination of media/mainstream harassment and clownshow management. I like him. In a different timeliness, Z leads us to the title. Bad luck with injuries killed him.

[msusousaphone]

Missing games all of the other seasons is fair game to criticize. This time they're over inflating an injury to protect the tank. We were getting too close Philly to keep Zion and CJ out there.

[ml wave]

But would Stephen A swing at Zion if he put hands on him?

[13 - 3]

Since when does anyone cares about anything SAS says? Zion isn't a bust. Not yet anyway. He has time to prove himself. Time is getting short though. Maybe this will motivate him. Maybe...

Maybe by year 9 he will have 60 games in a season? Trust the process?

[P_B_&_G]

Maybe by year 9 he will have 60 games in a season? Trust the process?

Maybe but that won't happen in Nola. I doubt he gets another contract here unless he figures out how to stay healthy.

[JJackisangry]

Maybe but that won't happen in Nola. I doubt he gets another contract here unless he figures out how to stay healthy.

I think he can stay healthy. Hell, he had a 70 game season. Thats pretty good for a star. It's possible. it has to start with him first and foremost. He has protect his body. The coach and management also has to protect him from wear and tear. If we are having to play at full tilt to win games, players will get injured. We have to learn to win comfortably. The NBA is way too fast and load management is becoming more necessary for a large amount of players.

[P_B_&_G]

I think he can stay healthy. Hell, he had a 70 game season. Thats pretty good for a star. It's possible. it has to start with him first and foremost. He has protect his body. The coach and management also has to protect him from wear and tear. If we are having to play at full tilt to win games, players will get injured. We have to learn to win comfortably. The NBA is way too fast and load management is becoming more necessary for a large amount of players.

I'm hopeful he can finally figure it out. Dude is crazy good for someone with no outside shot. If we go anywhere it will be on his back. Unless we capture the Flagg...