On the eve of his NBA debut, Zion Williamson has had surgery to repair a torn right lateral meniscus and will miss 6-8 weeks.

Williamson had already displayed his incredible talent during NBA pre-season, averaging 23.3 points and 6.5 rebounds and NBA fans were anxiously awaiting his first appearance in an NBA game.

It’s hopeful Williamson heeds the words of another great power forward, Charles Barkley who has described his own battle with weight as a rookie, noting how Moses Malone helped him in his first year in the league.

Barkley says Moses helped him find his ‘playing weight’. Barkley was 300 pounds during college and Moses made it a point alter Barkley’s diet and increase his cardio until his weight dropped from 280 to 250.

Charles productivity and playing time as a rookie increased as his weight decreased which was no coincidence. Moses even experimented with Chuck, helping him reach 240 pounds before Chuck noted ”I didn’t feel strong enough or explosive enough”. Moses and Chuck both agreed on 250 pounds being Barkley’s ideal playing weight and he stayed that for his whole career.

While Zion may be chiselled like Michelangelo’s David, he weighs in at 129kg and that much weight on an athletic jumping jack like Zion is reason for concern.

At only 201cm (6’6″ feet) I hope Zion heeds the words of his elder statesman Barkley. What happens during his rookie year could be critical to any of Zion’s long term success.

While fans all want to see him play today, this injury might be the wake up call he needs to ensure his playing 10 years from now.