New Orleans Pelicans star forward Zion Williamson has been making headlines this offseason for reasons beyond his electrifying performances on the court. The former No. 1 overall draft pick has reportedly undergone a significant weight loss transformation, drawing widespread attention from fans, analysts, and critics alike. According to Legion Hoops on X (formerly Twitter), Williamson revealed that he is now down to 281 pounds—his playing weight during his lone season at Duke—with a goal to drop even further to 272 pounds by the start of the new NBA season.
REPORT: Zion Williamson says he’s currently 281 pounds, 4 pounds less than he was at Duke, per @iancass.
Williamson’s plan is to be 272 pounds by the start of the season. pic.twitter.com/fFVaszgOgb
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) August 19, 2024
This news has ignited a whirlwind of reactions across social media and the sports world, as many have long speculated about Williamson’s ability to stay healthy and dominant in the NBA given his size and injury history. Now, with Williamson appearing to be in the best shape of his career, the conversation has shifted dramatically.
Stephen A. Smith Weighs In:
One of the most notable voices to comment on Williamson’s weight loss was ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith. On his podcast, “The Stephen A. Smith Show,” Smith discussed the implications of a leaner, more focused Zion Williamson. At the 4:10 mark, Smith didn’t mince words about what a healthy Williamson could mean for the rest of the NBA.
“You can look at all these teams, somebody’s going home if Zion Williamson is 100%,” Smith declared. “A healthy Zion Williamson with the New Orleans Pelicans, they ain’t losing no first round. So, it’s really good to see him in shape, taking it seriously. This is his career, he’s got his bag.”
Smith’s comments highlight the potential impact that a fully fit Zion Williamson could have on the league. His remarks have been echoed by many analysts who believe that Williamson, when healthy, is a game-changer capable of leading the Pelicans deep into the playoffs.
The Weight Debate: Can Zion Maintain His New Physique?
Williamson’s weight has long been a topic of discussion—often veering into criticism—due to the correlation between his size and his injury-prone history. The Pelicans star has faced significant challenges in staying on the court, with his first few seasons marred by injuries that have kept him sidelined more often than not. In fact, last season was the first time Williamson managed to appear in at least 70 games, a milestone that has given fans a glimpse of what a healthy Zion could bring to the table.
Williamson’s injury history is well-documented:
– 2019-20: Missed 58 games
– 2020-21: Missed 21 games
– 2021-22: Missed entire season due to a foot injury
– 2022-23: Missed 53 games
– 2023-24: Missed 12 games
Given this track record, it’s understandable why Williamson’s weight loss has generated such buzz. His ability to maintain this new physique throughout the grueling NBA season will be critical not only for his personal success but also for the Pelicans’ hopes of becoming legitimate contenders in the Western Conference.
Pelicans’ Playoff Hopes Ride on Zion’s Shoulders:
The New Orleans Pelicans are entering the upcoming season with high expectations, thanks in large part to Williamson’s reported transformation. The team boasts a formidable core that includes Williamson, Brandon Ingram, and C.J. McCollum, along with a strong supporting cast featuring Trey Murphy III, Larry Nance Jr., and Herb Jones. This group has the potential to make significant noise in a loaded Western Conference—if Williamson can stay healthy and perform at an elite level.
Last season, a healthy Zion Williamson averaged 22.9 points, 5.0 assists, and 5.8 rebounds while shooting an impressive 57% from the field. These numbers illustrate the kind of impact he can have when he’s on the floor. With his new commitment to fitness, there’s a growing belief that Zion could elevate his game even further, making the Pelicans a true force to be reckoned with.
Shots of the best dunks of last season 📷⤵️#NBADunkWeek pic.twitter.com/dVuAIzY8WM
— New Orleans Pelicans (@PelicansNBA) August 21, 2024
Fan Reactions: Excitement and Skepticism
As news of Williamson’s weight loss spreads, reactions have been mixed. While many fans are excited about the prospect of seeing a leaner, more explosive Zion, others remain skeptical. Given his injury history, there are questions about whether Williamson can maintain his new weight and avoid the physical setbacks that have plagued him in the past.
Nevertheless, the excitement surrounding Williamson’s transformation is palpable. If he can stay healthy and lead the Pelicans to a successful season, it could mark a turning point in his career—and in the perception of his potential.
Comments