The New Orleans Pelicans Star Zion Williamson has been making headlines lately. He’s transformed his body, getting into the best shape of his life. It’s a common exaggeration in the off-season, but for the first overall pick in the 2019 NBA draft, it’s a legitimate statement.
Williamson showed off an impressive physique at his summer basketball camp. And he’s not done yet. There are goals in place to find out what he wants to weigh once the regular season begins in October.
He has worked hard to lose weight after being heavily criticised last December for his on-field appearance. Listless and seemingly out of shape, he was ridiculed by several media figures and analysts.
At that time, it was when Williamson I knew something had to change. Admittedly, he has put in the effort and looks great. Some people worry that losing too much weight will negatively impact his power on the field.
But the Pelicans would certainly be willing to trade a few fewer thunderous dunks per season if it meant their star would be in the lineup more often. After playing a career-high 70 games in the 2023-24 campaign, the weight loss certainly seems to help.
Being able to stay on the court allows him to be more productive and have a better chance of being in the spotlight. This could put him in a better position for certain awards, like the MVP title.
At the moment, Williamson is just outside the top 10 regarding MVP odds for the 2024-25 season. Greg Swartz of Bleacher Report believes he is a wild card to win the prestigious award next season.
“Having a proven point guard like Murray to lead the offense should mean more easy baskets for Williamson. A potential trade for Brandon Ingram could also mean more shots for Williamson, as his scoring average climbed to 26.8 points per game without Ingram versus 24.2 when the two forwards shared the field.
After a 49-win season, the Pelicans should be even better this season with Murray. Williamson’s 70-game season last year was also encouraging,” Swartz wrote.
If the 2023-24 season proved anything to New Orleans, it’s that they need a true point guard to maximize the team’s potential. Williamson’s production has suffered without a point guard who allows him to score.
As Swartz noted, Williamson had 75.5 percent of his two points scored with the help of Lonzo Ball and Jrue Holiday. Last season, the Pelicans used CJ McCollum and Brandon Ingram as their primary initiators. Solid playmakers in their own right, but not true playmakers.
Last season, Williamson shot a career-low 57 percent from the field, and only 47.4 percent of his shots came with assists. Dejounte Murray will help improve that percentage, which will allow him to get back to his normal shooting numbers.
Improved efficiency and higher scoring stats should help New Orleans pick up more wins. If Williamson’s improved health continues, the 2024-25 season has every chance of being a real breakout season.
