Image Credit: Matthew Hinton-Imagn Images

“Probably the Dumbest” – Jeff Teague Blasts Zion Williamson Conference After Pelicans Forward Shows Slimmer Look at Media Day Session

Image Credit: Matthew Hinton-Imagn Images

The New Orleans Pelicans opened their media day with Zion Williamson stealing all the attention. The forward appeared noticeably slimmer, drawing immediate comparisons to his previous public appearances.

The new-look Zion Williamson not only appeared healthier, but also enters the season with a new teammate in Jordan Poole, acquired through an offseason trade.

Despite the fresh optimism, much of the team’s future depends on Williamson’s ability to stay healthy. Something that has been his biggest hurdle. Fans and media wasted little time speculating about what a fit version of Zion Williamson could accomplish.

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— New Orleans Pelicans (@PelicansNBA) September 23, 2025

Jeff Teague delivers harsh criticism on Zion Williamson

Not everyone bought into the excitement. Former NBA guard Jeff Teague used the Club 520 Podcast to criticize the reaction surrounding Zion Williamson’s press conference.

“It’s probably the dumbest press conference I ever heard in my life,” Teague said. “All this stuff is because of you. You choose to eat, be out of shape, all that.

“Now all of a sudden it’s a contract year probably or he looking for extension. All of a sudden he in shape and they believe in me. Fool. They gave you a max deal. They been believed in you. But they had to put all them options on there because you didn’t believe in you. Like that’s dumb as h***. That press conference dumb.”

“You get paid d*** near $40 million a year to be in shape. And I ain’t even trying to sound like a old head. It’s just that like you do a press conference and say, ‘Yeah, I feel the best I ever felt since college.’ Like, you choose to feel that way.”

Health remains central question

Since joining the NBA in 2019-20, Zion Williamson has managed to play more than 30 games only twice. Last season, he was shut down on March 31 after playing 30 games.

This offseason, Zion Williamson has committed to losing weight and regaining strength. For the New Orleans Pelicans to compete in the Western Conference, head coach Willie Green will need the healthiest version of Williamson.