He is a physically gifted player, yet he is quickly entering a conversation no one wants.
After getting the news of another injury to Zion Williamson, ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith labeled the former No. 1 overall pick a ‘bust’ on First Take. He made the statement — not based on Williamson’s talent — because of his lack of availability.
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Williamson has endured multiple injuries since his rookie season with the latest mishap being a backbone contusion. He has the potential to be the next face of the National Basketball Association, yet it is a question on whether the 24-year-old can navigate through a season healthy. The two-time All-Star has only played in 214 games through five years since being drafted in 2019.
“The word ‘bust’ comes to mind.”
– Stephen A. Smith on Zion Williamson
(???? @FirstTake )
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) April 1, 2025
“I feel very, very bad for the Pelicans and the city of New Orleans,” Smith said.
“Zion Williamson is a star caliber talent. When he is on the court and healthy, he is a monster. The problem is he is rarely available. And as great as he is, the word ‘bust’ comes to mind. It is not because of his talent. I am only talking his availability.”
Smith said talent does not matter if you are not available consistently to show it.
“He is almost never available,” Smith said about Williamson.
“If you traded him right now, you realize you cannot ask for the form for Zion? Well, you can ask but you are not going to get it. He has not been available. You can’t expect but so much for him because his availability is what is going to come into question.”
We will see if Williamson can produce a full season of action at some point. For now, he is trending toward the bust category.
Stephen M. Smith is a writer for Ball Exclusives. You can follow him him X via @CoachingMSmith.
