Pelicans forward Zion Williamson arrives at media day in noticeably better shape
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New Orleans Pelicans star Zion Williamson reported to the team’s media day in significantly improved condition after an offseason devoted to trimming weight and preventing injuries.
“I really felt a shift in my body,” the 25-year-old forward told reporters. “I haven’t felt like this since college, high school, just where I can walk into a gym and I feel good.”
Williamson, entering his seventh NBA season, played only 30 games last year before a hamstring strain ended his campaign. Determined to avoid a repeat, he spent the summer boxing, running football-field drills, and training with performance coach Daniel Bove. The regimen produced a noticeably leaner and more mobile version of the 2019 No. 1 overall pick.
The former Duke standout also credited recently hired basketball executives Joe Dumars and Troy Weaver for keeping him on task. “Dumars is going to hold me accountable,” Williamson said. “If I slip up, I know he’s going to be right there to make sure I get back on the path.”
Availability remains the central issue for the Pelicans’ cornerstone. Through six seasons, Williamson has appeared in 214 of a possible 472 regular-season games—less than half—and has yet to play in the postseason. When healthy, he owns career averages of 24.6 points, 7.2 rebounds and 5.3 assists, powered by his trademark drives and explosive dunks.
New Orleans opens training camp this week, hopeful that Williamson’s renewed fitness will translate into sustained time on the floor.
Source: Hoops Wire
