Pelicans’ Zion Williamson shows up in shape, says he feels like his old self

September 24, 2025

Zion Williamson, Pelicans, Lakers, NBA — File photo

Pelicans star Zion Williamson has made promises before about his conditioning. This time, he looks the part.

The seventh-year forward arrived at media day in noticeably better shape after an offseason training program that focused on fixing what has long plagued him: fluctuating weight and nagging injuries.

“I really felt a shift in my body,” Williamson told reporters. “I haven’t felt like this since college, high school, just where I can walk into a gym and I feel good.”

Williamson, 25, played just 30 games last season before a hamstring injury shut him down. Determined not to repeat history, he spent the summer boxing, running football-field drills, and working under the guidance of trainer Daniel Bove.

The result, at least for now, is a leaner, more mobile version of the player New Orleans drafted No. 1 overall in 2019.

He also pointed to the influence of new Pelicans executives Joe Dumars and Troy Weaver, who have been upfront about their expectations.

“Dumars is going to hold me accountable,” Williamson said. “If I slip up, I know he’s going to be right there to make sure I get back on the path.”

That accountability has never been more important. Through six NBA seasons, Williamson has suited up for only 214 of a possible 472 games, or less than half.

He’s missed an entire season, never appeared in a playoff game, and remains more of a what-if than the superstar New Orleans envisioned.

But when he’s healthy, there’s no denying his impact. Williamson owns career averages of 24.6 points, 7.2 rebounds and 5.3 assists, bullying his way to the rim and flashing the highlight dunks that made him a viral sensation years before he entered the NBA.

The question now: Can he finally stay on the court long enough to become the franchise cornerstone the Pelicans have been waiting for?