Zion Williamson is back and he has something to say. During a live episode of Gil’s Arena, the NBA All-Star sat down for his first interview of the 2023 NBA offseason.
New Orleans Pelicans Forward Zion Williamson has had an eventful offseason. After missing the majority of the 2022-2023 NBA Regular Season with a hamstring injury, the South Carolina native began preparing for a return during the 2023-2024 NBA Regular Season. As the former Duke star prepared for the upcoming season, he received a non-basketball-related surprise. The 23-year-old is going to be a father. He celebrated the occasion with a baby shower and the child’s mother, Ahkeema, shared photos of the event on social media. News of the baby shower captured the attention of adult film star, Moriah Mills, who claims she had a long-term, intimate relationship with Pelicans star. In response, she headed to Twitter and shared details regarding her alleged relationship with the soon-to-be father. She also claimed Williamson had a poor relationship with the New Orleans Pelicans organization and was negligent in maintaining the physical condition he needed to play.
Moriah Mills was eventually suspended from Twitter, but that did not stifle Williamson’s problems. Leading up to the 2023 NBA Draft, several on-air personalities and beat reporters were under the impression that the Pelicans may look to move Williamson to another franchise. While the Pelicans did not trade the 23-year-old during this year’s draft, some still report that they may look to do so later in the offseason. Amid alleged trade talks, social media drama and the expected birth of his first child, Williamson has remained quiet until now.
Zion Williamson appeared on a live episode of Gil’s Arena with Gilbert Arenas, Josiah Johnson, Rashad McCants and Brandon Jennings. The crew did not ask Williamson about Mills specifically, but they did ask about his ability to maintain the physical condition he needed to play.
“It’s hard, man,” Williamson said when asked about keeping up with his diet during the NBA season.
“I’m 20, 22. Have all the money in the world. It feels like all the money in the world. It’s hard. I’m at that point now because of certain things, I’m putting back the wisdom around me. I don’t want to say older — because they’re defensive — but I’m putting people around me with wisdom. Put me on game to certain things. And just go from there.”
Despite the challenges he’s faced, Williamson says he’s committed to improving his life on and off the court.
“Like Coach (Mike) K(rzyzewski) taught me, I have to own up to my responsibilities,” he continued.
“There are a lot of things I could have done better. I didn’t. I’m in the process of fixing those wrongs.”
