New Orleans Pelicans' Zion Williamson, despite his high potential, has spent a significant portion of his professional career dealing with injuries. His weight has often been cited as a contributing factor to these recurring health issues.
However, the 23-year-old NBA star now seems determined to make a change by adopting healthier dietary habits. This revelation came during his recent appearance on Gil Arena's podcast, where Williamson highlighted the need for personal responsibility in his journey to improved health and performance.
"Embracing accountability is something [former Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski] taught me," Williamson admitted. "There are many areas where I could've performed better but didn't. I'm currently committed to correcting those shortcomings."
Additionally, Williamson revealed that he's looking to borrow some training strategies from a seasoned NBA veteran, LeBron James, who continues to excel at the age of 38. He emphasized his desire to return to the court and contribute to his team's success, rather than watching from the sidelines.
"I yearn to just play basketball. That's where I want to be. It's disheartening to sit out due to injuries," expressed Williamson. "I believe that's what people should understand. It's not my choice to be sidelined, I certainly don't enjoy being injured."
There's no disputing that a healthy Williamson would be a major asset for the Pelicans. Teaming him up with talents like Brandon Ingram and CJ McCollum could pose significant challenges to any NBA franchise, especially in the competitive Western Conference. While such a setup doesn't guarantee immediate victories for the Pelicans, it certainly adds to their strength.
Moving forward, the Pelicans need to integrate players that can augment the abilities of Williamson, Ingram, and McCollum. This becomes even more crucial as other franchises are adjusting their lineups for optimum performance.
Speculation had linked Williamson, the former Duke Blue Devil, to NBA trade rumors over the summer. The Portland Trail Blazers and Toronto Raptors were among the suggested destinations. However, ESPN's Zach Lowe debunked these rumors, clarifying that while trade possibilities were explored, no reasonable deal emerged from the discussions.
