New Orleans Pelicans star Zion Williamson is fresh off the latest disappointing season of his young NBA career.
Coming into 2022-23, many envisioned an MVP-type, return-to-glory campaign for Williamson. He has all the physical and mental tools necessary for NBA success, he had just been unable to stay healthy.
Unfortunately, it didn’t happen in 2023 either.
Williamson got hurt once again, and he ended up playing in just 29 games this season.
With the Pelicans’ year done, the only thing on fans’ minds has been when and if Williamson will get right. Well, based on a photo that went viral on Wednesday night, it seems like he is on his way back to recovery.
Zion looking slim 🔥
(Via @realkendalbanks ) pic.twitter.com/B84dRqxBIV
— NBACentral (@TheNBACentral) May 4, 2023
Williamson’s weight has been a chronic issue, and many believe it is a big reason why he has been hurt so consistently throughout his career. In that regard, him looking so skinny this early in the Pelicans’ offseason was and is a welcome sight.
Unfortunately, fans have seen this movie before. And they are jaded by him playing in only 114 games since being drafted in 2019. Their reactions to the new photo reflected a certain skepticism about his readiness to play in 2023-24.
I’m slim too.
Unfortunately neither of us are capable of playing 30 minutes is an NBA game.
— The NBA Realist (@nbarealist23) May 4, 2023
About to be looking injured next season as usual
— Mareeezy (@mgaitan_214) May 4, 2023
Bruh always slim in the off szn lol
— TIZZY (@NutAssFreakBul) May 4, 2023
Big picture, it will be interesting to see how Williamson bounces back next season.
Between the issues with his stepfather, relentless conditioning woes and strange off-the-court problems, it just feels like Williamson is a source of never-ending drama.
Vanessa’s newest photos with Pau cause a stir. https://t.co/lnSq795DK6
— Game 7 (@game7__) May 4, 2023
A picture of him seeming skinny is a welcome sight, but it’s not enough at this point.
Williamson needs to put together a full, consistent healthy season. Will he be able to get it done next year? Time will tell.
Related: Denver Broncos Cheerleader’s Newest Wild Photos Cause A Stir
Jennifer Withers Hoey is a former Business Development Manager who transitioned to writing about sports. With valuable connections all over the West Coast, she has used those contacts to break some of the most interesting stories pertaining to the Portland Trail Blazers, Oregon Ducks, LA Lakers, LA Clippers, Seattle Supersonics (RIP), and more.
