Zion Williamson is perhaps one of the most hyped players in recent memory. Drafted by the New Orleans Pelicans back in 2019 with the 1st pick of the draft, many thought that the Pelicans were primed to succeed.
With players like Brandon Ingram alongside him, the Pels’ future looked bright, but three seasons later and Zion just playing the 85 games during that time, it is safe to say that Williamson hasn’t fulfilled the expectations of many. Missing the entire 2021-22 season with a foot injury, many criticized the big man for his lack of fitness, and trade rumors were also a constant.
While many were concerned about the former Duke forward’s fitness, it seems like the 1-time All-Star has put all of it to rest. Starring in a Nike commercial recently, Williamson looks much more leaner and athletic and probably in the best shape of his entire NBA career.
The recent pictures and videos seemed to have convinced former guard Jalen Rose that Zion is going to have a great season. In a recent appearance at the Jalen and Jacoby, Rose claimed that Zion will break the All-NBA barrier this season. (0:58 onwards).
“Zion is going to be trending towards All NBA like he averaged 27 points on 60 percent shooting and you talking about when he’s not in shape. So many players as their careers progress decide, that getting in shape and eating right, and training is the most important thing. To me, it looks like Zion has figured that out and the sky’s the limit for him and his team”
While the Pelicans did miss many of their stars for multiple parts of the 2021-22 season due to injuries, New Orleans still managed to clinch the 8th spot in the Western Conference.
Not only that, the Pels pushed the 2021 Western Conference champions Phoenix Suns all the way to Game 6 while missing a player like Zion Williamson.
While his playing time has been limited, in the only season Zion played more than 50 games, he was easily the best player on the team. With Ingram showing the potential of popping off in the scoring boards every now and then and a talented guard in CJ McCollum, the Pelicans might be a sleeper pick in the Western Conference to make a deep playoff run next season.
