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New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson. Sergio Estrada-Imagn Images

Is Zion Williamson ready to break out after drama-free offseason?

By Adam Taylor | Last updated 10/8/24

Zion Williamson has spent the majority of his NBA offseasons recovering from injury and/or dealing with scrutiny over his weight and questions about his discipline.

Nevertheless, Williamson enjoyed a strong season for the New Orleans Pelicans in 2023-24, playing in 70 games and averaging 22.9 points, 5.8 rebounds and five assists per game after being limited to 29 games in 2022-23.

Fast-forward to Sunday, the Pelicans' opening preseason game, and Williamson looked like a totally different player. He's slimmer, more defined and certainly more explosive.

The Pelicans star shot 8-of-11 from the field, with the majority of his shots coming around the rim. When he got downhill, defenders found it difficult to stay connected, as he used his elite strength and size to dislodge his man before making high-level reads.

When speaking to the media after the game, head coach Willie Green praised the work Williamson has put in during the summer.

“(Williamson) had a great camp and it’s a credit to the work that he put in before he even got to camp," Green said. "His conditioning is at a high level and he can take over games at any time. It was good to just put the ball in his hands and let him determine what he wants to do. We know he can get to the free throw line, get to the rim, and kick to teammates. It's just having guys play off him, that type of offense is pretty fun to watch.”

Williamson ended the Pelicans opening preseason contest with 16 points, eight rebounds, three assists and two steals. He looked sharp on defense, and showcased some encouraging off-ball movement.

Most importantly, though, he attempted some shots from the mid-range area, which has been something Williamson has discussed working on in recent weeks.

“I feel pretty comfortable in the midrange right now,” Williamson said during a post-practice news conference on Wednesday. “Threes is one of those, I'm a capable three-point shooter. But my mind is so used to getting the best shot, attacking the basket, but I'm going to work in the middie for sure...It's telling myself it is okay to miss...I don't want to feel like I am kind of settling and taking the shots the defense wants me to take. But if it's a shot I wanted, I'm fine with it.”

After a healthy summer, where Williamson has avoided injury or drama, the former Duke standout could be ready for a big season. He's coming into the season in great shape, having dropped weight and toned up. It's the first time Williamson has been praised for his conditioning rather than had his physical appearance questioned.

New Orleans has constructed its roster around Williamson. If he can stay healthy, the current version of the explosive forward could take the team on a deep postseason run. Finally, after multiple false starts, Williamson looks ready to become the star the Pelicans envisioned. All that's left is to wait and see how it plays out.

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