As the NBA season approaches, star player Zion Williamson is already capturing attention. The New Orleans Pelicans recently held their Media Day on Tuesday afternoon, marking the beginning of their training camp this week. With a trip overseas planned, the team is among a select few in the league that are commencing their regular-season preparations early. This October, they will compete against two NBL teams in Australia before returning to the United States to conclude their preseason.
Williamson was expected to be a major attraction in Australia, but he heightened the excitement during his podium appearance. The 25-year-old former Duke Blue Devil showcased a noticeably transformed physique, appearing significantly slimmer than in previous seasons. He addressed the noticeable changes, stating, “We came up with a plan – from boxing to working out on the football field a lot to just different random workouts. During that timeframe last year, I really felt a shift in my body, where I would look at him and go dude, it feels good to feel good,” Williamson shared with reporters.
This remarkable transformation comes after years of scrutiny regarding Williamson's ability to maintain his fitness amidst ongoing injury challenges. The former No. 1 overall pick has yet to play more than 70 games in a single NBA season. In fact, he has played 30 games or fewer in four of his six seasons, including last season when he faced a serious hamstring injury that sidelined him for a significant portion of the year.
Despite his injury woes, when Williamson is on the court, he is undeniably one of the NBA's elite talents. The forward boasts impressive career averages of 24.7 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game, shooting an exceptional 58.9 percent from the field. His unique blend of physicality and explosiveness makes him a rare athlete in the game.
As the new season approaches, the key question remains: how will Williamson's revamped body and renewed mindset impact his performance? Will he be able to stay on the floor longer and maintain his dominance in the post? The New Orleans Pelicans will undoubtedly be watching closely, as Williamson still has much to prove before the team can feel assured they are on the right path. Nevertheless, this transformation marks a promising start for both Williamson and the Pelicans as they gear up for the upcoming season.
