Zion Williamson has faced a lot of scrutiny from both basketball commentators and his fellow NBA players during this year's In-Season Tournament, most notably following his and the New Orleans Pelicans' 44-point loss to the Los Angeles Lakers on Thursday, December 7.

Williamson's performance in particular was criticized in the wake of that defeat, with some reporters and NBA analysts passing judgment on his weight and overall fitness level amid rumors that the Pelicans are unhappy with his current diet and conditioning.

Retired NBA greats Shaquille O'Neal and Charles Barkley addressed Williamson's gameplay on TNT that night, reflecting on their own experiences.

"I had the same problem my first and second year. I thought I was running hard," said O'Neal. "Because my talent’s going to get me 20 [points]. When I started getting to 30–40, it’s because I started doing certain things." Shaq added that Williamson "doesn't demand the ball" and "doesn't have that look like 'I'm the greatest ever."

Williamson redeemed himself on Monday, December 11, scoring 36 points and helping the Pelicans dominate the Minnesota Timberwolves—a season-long best for the player, now in his fifth year in the NBA. And he took the opportunity to respond to the speculation around his conditioning in a press conference after the game, making it clear that there is a limit to the comments he will take seriously.

"All I can do is control the things I can control. Lock in on myself. Lock in on my teammates, coaches, and everybody with the Pelicans," he said, before tacitly addressing Barkley and O'Neal.

"If it comes from a place where they just wanna see me do better, thank you," he added. "But if it comes from anywhere else, everybody (is) entitled to their own opinion. Can't control that."