The New Orleans Pelicans Star Zion Williamson made waves on social media last week after photos revealed a a much thinner star this summer. The former Pelicans first-round pick reportedly weighs just 281 pounds this summer, four pounds less than his playing weight at Duke. The goal is for Williamson to weigh 272 pounds by the start of the season.
Many have noticed her physical transformation, including former NBA great Kevin Garnett. He spoke about Williamson’s slender figure on a recent episode of The ticket and the truth with his former teammate Paul Pierce.
“I see pictures of Zion, Lord. He looks like he’s back in high school, 185 pounds,” the Hall of Fame power forward told Paul Pierce. “A big shoutout to Zion, you’re working, young man. That’s what’s happening. I hope you have a great year.”
Garnett is a former prodigy himself, having skipped college and gone straight to the pros after high school. The “Big Ticket,” as he has been known throughout his career, is an NBA champion, 15-time All-Star and member of the All-NBA 75th Anniversary Team.
Williamson could only dream of having a career like that, as injuries derailed the first five years of his NBA career. A knee injury limited him to 24 games in his rookie year. He missed the entire 2021-22 season with a foot injury, followed by a hamstring injury the following season that limited him to just 29 games.
Last season was the healthiest of Williamson’s career, starting 70 career games. Injuries hit him again at the most inopportune time for the Pelicans, with the star forward getting hurt in a play-in loss to the Los Angeles Lakers. Williamson missed the playoffs again and hasn’t played a single playoff game in his entire career.
Garnett’s co-host Paul Pierce is also hoping for good health for the Pelicans star this season.
“He got hurt in that play-in game, right? Yeah, he stepped it up every time, man. I just hope he can stay healthy,” Pierce said.
New Orleans is hoping for the same thing and believes it can compete with a healthy Williamson dominating the interior. The team traded for versatile guard Dejounte Murray this offseason to add to an already talented group that includes Williamson, CJ McCollum, Brandon Ingram, Trey Murphy III and Herb Jones.
Under head coach Willie Green, the Pelicans have increased their win total over the past three seasons and have made the playoffs twice during that span. The next step for the team is to advance in the playoffs and compete for an NBA title. New Orleans is one of five franchises that have never made the NBA Finals.
