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Zion Williamson became a trending topic on Twitter Wednesday when the Pelicans star appeared bulkier than usual in a viral photo.
He was photographed on the sideline during the Pelicans’ loss to the Rockets on Friday, dressed in a red Jordan sweatsuit.
ESPN’s Tim MacMahon reported that Williamson, working his way back from a surgical repaired fractured foot, weighs 330 pounds.
“The number I’ve heard from several places on Zion is 70 pounds higher than 260. I’ll let you do the math on that,” MacMahon said on “The Lowe Post” podcast Tuesday.
The Pelicans’ official roster lists his weight at 284 pounds.
Williamson, who recently suffered a slight setback in his return to full team activities, has yet to play a game this season.
Wednesday, an apparent friend of Williamson’s shared a photo of the Jordan-brand athlete at a visit to a youth basketball event, and called the buzz about his weight “fake news.”
The Duke product was scheduled to practice with the Pelicans Dec. 2, but reportedly experienced foot soreness, pushing back his recovery. There is no timetable for his return with the Pelicans are sitting at 7-19.
Even before he entered the NBA, Williamson’s weight was a topic of discussion. Some critics questioned if he’d be able to handle an 82-game season due to his size, especially being a dunk-heavy player.
In late November, the Pelicans had made moves to improve Williamson’s diet by changing some of the organization’s culinary practices, according to ESPN.
Williamson has played 85 games over his first two seasons in New Orleans.
The Pelicans host the Nuggets on Wednesday.
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