Tim Hardaway and Lindsey Hunter are urging Zion Williamson to seek professional help, claiming the New Orleans Pelicans star needs more than basketball guidance as off-court controversies continue to overshadow his once-promising NBA career.

Speaking during a recent discussion, the former NBA guards questioned Williamson’s repeated involvement with OnlyFans models, with Hunter suggesting the former No. 1 overall pick may be struggling with compulsive sexual behavior rather than simple lapses in judgment.

“He’s got a problem,” Hunter said, adding that therapy – not conversations with coaches or teammates – would be the only meaningful solution if the behavior continues. Hunter argued that repeated incidents point to a lack of self-control rather than isolated mistakes.

Hardaway echoed the sentiment in a more lighthearted tone, speculating that Williamson’s repeated associations could reflect deeper personal choices, though both former players acknowledged the situation becomes serious if addiction is involved.

This is not the first time Williamson has had this type of problem

Williamson entered the NBA in 2019 as one of the most hyped prospects in league history, selected first overall by the Pelicans. Despite early success – including becoming an All-Star in 2021 and one of the youngest players ever to earn the honor – his career has been repeatedly stalled by injuries.

Off the court, his reputation took a hit in 2023 when OnlyFans model and former adult film actress Moriah Mills publicly claimed she had an intimate relationship with Williamson, releasing alleged messages and social media posts that drew widespread attention.

While the controversy eventually faded, it resurfaced recently after another OnlyFans model, Alisa Alcantara, claimed Williamson could be the father of her child and posted a video allegedly showing the two together.

Is Williamson the new Lamar Odom?

While Hardaway and Hunter framed their remarks partly in jest, the discussion turned serious when Hunter compared Williamson’s situation to former NBA champion Lamar Odom, who has publicly spoken about his struggles with sex addiction and the toll it took on his personal life and career.

If Hunter’s assessment is accurate, the former All-Star suggested Williamson’s path forward may depend less on conditioning and availability – and more on addressing personal issues that continue to derail his time in the league.