A visibly slimmer Zion Williamson walked to the podium for the New Orleans Pelicans' media day, carrying with him the familiar weight of franchise expectations — yet appearing physically lighter than he has in years.
For a city and fanbase conditioned by cautious optimism, his words resonated with a clarity that has often been missing amid seasons derailed by injury.
“It feels good to feel good. I haven't felt like this since college, high school, just where I can walk into a gym and I feel good,” Williamson told reporters.
That feeling is the cornerstone of fragile hope in New Orleans. The former No. 1 pick — now entering his seventh season — has always showcased his immense talent in brilliant but fleeting bursts, leaving his availability a constant question.
This offseason, Williamson detailed a regimen that moved beyond traditional basketball work, incorporating boxing and agility drills on a football field to build a more resilient foundation.
“I really felt a shift in my body,” Williamson said, crediting Pelicans Director of Performance Daniel Bove.
"I feel really good going into the season,"
— New Orleans Pelicans (@PelicansNBA) September 23, 2025
- Zion
And yet, New Orleans has been here before with its high-leaping star, who has shown flashes of progress only to be beset by another long-term injury.
Since joining the NBA, Williamson has played in just 214 of a possible 472 regular-season games and has appeared in more than 30 games in only two of his six seasons, including missing the entire 2021-22 campaign.
When healthy, however, Williamson has flashed his full potential, averaging 24.7 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 5.3 assists per game on 58.9% shooting from the floor.
Entering the season, the roster Williamson will lead looks significantly different, retooled to inject both scoring and veteran stability.
The Pelicans, who finished 21-61 last season, added former champion Jordan Poole in an offseason trade involving C.J. McCollum, and signed his former Warriors teammate Kevon Looney.
[ALSO READ: CJ McCollum, Jordan Poole headline Pelicans-Wizards swap ahead of 2025 NBA Draft– reports]
New Orleans also awaits the return of Dejounte Murray from a torn Achilles tendon suffered last January.
“I love the composition of this team,” Williamson said, addressing the low external expectations.
He added, “Whatever you said at that certain time, when we are in a certain position, you just got to stay over there. There's no coming over here, don't want validation… I don't care. You just got to stay over there.”
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Pao Ambat earned his journalism degree from Cavite State University in 2022.
Passionate about sports from a young age, he primarily covers the NBA for One Sports, while also assisting in reporting on the PVL, PBA, UAAP, and other leagues.
