New Orleans Pelicans big man Zion Williamson went through a stretch earlier this year where the coverage surrounding him was nothing but negative.
Over the past few weeks, things have done a complete 180.
On Friday morning, Williamson made an appearance at Pelicans practice doing some light shooting drills. Given that he has yet to play this year due to his foot injury, the fact that he was with the team in any capacity was enough to get fans excited.
But what got them really psyched was how good he looked.
The photos largely speak for themselves:
There is a reasonable case to be made that this might be the best Williamson has ever looked as a pro. The weight problems that once plagued him now seem like a thing of the past.
Fans were quick to point that out:
Was just noticing that too. He looks even in better shape than last time he played and not even comparable to how he was in November. Idk if it was him locking in by himself or if it was because of the haters, but if it was at least the haters said something useful for once
— A. Ganhito (@apganhito) March 11, 2022
Zion looking in shape
— arsene (@arsenelupin903) March 11, 2022
@danny123411 Zion looking lean
— Louis Carr (@LouisCarrLane) March 11, 2022
It’s easy to see why folks are giddy. Best of all, these aren’t the first photos to emerge in recent days showing Williamson looking good.
These images from last week tell the same story. Quite the departure from where the former Duke standout was at just a couple of months ago. When those photos of him at his biggest hit the web Pelicans fans had a full-blown meltdown.
Yikes. Horrific. https://t.co/kR6Yev06NN
— Game 7 (@game7__) March 12, 2022
It will be interesting to see where things go from here. Over the past year Williamson has been linked quite frequently to one other team. The assumption on the parts of many had been that a trade was inevitable.
But that may now be changing. If Williamson can get healthy, get back on the court and do some work for New Orleans – maybe the two sides can come to a long-term understanding that keeps him with the Pelicans for good.
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A graduate from the University of Texas, Anthony Amador has been credentialed to cover the Houston Texans, Dallas Cowboys, San Antonio Spurs, Dallas Mavericks and high school games all over the Lone Star State. Currently, his primary beats are the NBA, MLB, NFL and UFC.
