NBA fans are buzzing about a noticeably slimmer Zion Williamson as the New Orleans Pelicans star preps for the upcoming season. Recent social media photos from Williamson’s basketball camp in Spartanburg, South Carolina, reveal a leaner physique, although some observers are cautious about whether the weight loss might impact his power game.
Williamson, who stood out at Duke and was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft, is reported to currently weigh 281 pounds, down from his previous listed weight of 284 pounds last season. He aims to reach 272 pounds by the start of the NBA regular season. This weight loss comes after significant public scrutiny over his conditioning, particularly following the Pelicans’ disappointing performance in the NBA in-season tournament.
Zion Williamson step-dad told C.Ruff today at his camp he’s currently 281 pounds (285 at Duke) and will be 272 by the time the season starts 💪🏾
Lets go Z. Great season loading 💯 pic.twitter.com/iaYKyw8B2W
— TimeoutSPORTS__ (@TimeoutSPORTS3) August 18, 2024
Critics like Charles Barkley, Shaquille O’Neal, and Stephen A. Smith voiced concerns about Williamson’s weight and fitness during a 133–89 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers. This criticism appears to have motivated Williamson to shed over 25 pounds, according to the New Orleans Times-Picayune, contributing to his career-high 70-game season in which he averaged 22.9 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 5.0 assists.
Williamson, who missed the entire 2021-22 season due to a foot injury and played fewer than 30 games in two other seasons, acknowledged the impact of the public feedback on his performance and conditioning. “That was definitely a big moment for me,” Williamson shared. “I didn’t look at anybody else. I looked at myself. I’ll take full blame for that. I wasn’t where I needed to be. I didn’t perform the way I needed to perform. I think it was one of those things I needed to experience because it definitely changed a lot for me during the season.”
Big cheers for NBA All Star and SC native Zion Williamson as he emerges at a free basketball camp he’s putting on this weekend in Spartanburg. He jokes as he comes out: “I’m a little nervous right now” pic.twitter.com/rBDMwmJ8Mu
— Chapel Fowler (@chapelfowler) August 17, 2024
As the 2024-25 NBA season approaches, Zion Williamson and the Pelicans will look to start strong with their season opener against the Chicago Bulls on October 23. The team’s training camp kicks off on October 1 at Belmont University in Nashville, where Williamson will have the chance to showcase his improved conditioning.
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