Zion Williamson just had three rebounds in the New Orleans Pelicans’ NBA 2026-2027 regular season opener, and he still became the butt of the joke for an NBA legend.
According to NBA legend and Inside the NBA analyst Charles Barkley, Williamson should not be celebrating after just grabbing three rebounds in the New Orleans Pelicans’ 123-120 loss to the Indiana Pacers at the Smoothie King Center.
Charles Barkley Made Fun Of Zion Williamson
Barkley’s remarks elicited loud laughter in the Inside the NBA’s post-game recap.
“You cannot be that athletic and get three rebounds,” Barkley said. “You got to get me double-digit rebounds, young man. You’re too athletic to get three damn rebounds.”
In 32 minutes of action, Williamson recorded 22 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists, and 3 steals while shooting 7-of-16 from the field and a perfect 6-of-6 from the free-throw line. Notably, he hit two 3-pointers, including a buzzer-beater to end the first half.
Williamson proved critical down the stretch, driving to the rim for a clutch layup and an accompanying free throw that tied the game at 116-116 in the final stretch. Although a late-game surge by Indiana’s Tyrese Haliburton ultimately secured the win for the Pacers.
“Zion, you can’t be flexing with three rebounds,” Barkley, who played the same power forward position as Williamson, said.
“Come on, Kenny. You know you got to get more than three,” Barkley said while talking to Kenny Smith. “I can put Kenny out there with his legs. He can get me three rebounds!”
Williamson has generated substantial preseason hype ahead of his eighth NBA season, capturing some attention by arriving at training camp in impeccable physical condition.
The Pelicans franchise forward earned praise from team officials after he reportedly entered training camp at a lean 277 pounds, nearly 10 pounds lighter than his previous playing weight.
Furthermore, a massive layer of intrigue surrounded his evolving playstyle under new head coach Jamahl Mosley, as reports and pregame warmups highlighted his explicit desire to incorporate a reliable three-point shot into his offensive arsenal. Last year, he only attempted four 3s throughout the season.
Zion Williamson Is Being Encouraged To Shoot 3s
While Charles Barkley pointed at his rebounding game, Zion Williamson focused on his increased shooting.
According to Zion, the Pelicans were encouraging him to shoot more triples, adding a new dynamic to his offensive arsenal.
“They trust me to shoot it. And even on, like, I think one of the first ones I passed up, it was like, don’t do that again. Like, shoot it,” he said.
Zion Williamson: “They trust me to shoot it. And even on, like, I think one of the first ones I passed up, it was like, don’t do that again. Like, shoot it.”
Last year, Williamson rarely attempted three-pointers, finishing the year going just 1-of-4 from behind the arc across 62 games.
His total volume from deep was virtually non-existent as he continued to focus his offensive game heavily on driving to the rim and scoring in the paint rather than spacing the floor.
Zion’s new 3-point direction comes as the Pelicans hired former Orlando Magic head coach Jamahl Mosley a few months ago.
Mosley’s approach reportedly shifts the franchise’s focus toward establishing resilient winning habits, ensuring that every player stays ready to compete.
Zion Williamson Becomes Butt Of Charles Barkley’s Joke After Pelicans Opener