Zion Williamson told NBA reporters at New Orleans Pelicans media day that he’s tired of telling people he wants to stay with the Pelicans.
There have been several questions about Williamson’s diet and commitment to basketball since he’s only played 114 out of a possible 308 regular-season games since being drafted by the Pelicans with the first overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft out of Duke. Williamson played in 24 games in his rookie year and 61 games in his sophomore year. The lefty then missed his entire third year and appeared in just 29 games last season.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS:Â Zion Williamson, New Orleans Pelicans Updates
Williamson has been in the gym this offseason more than he has in his entire NBA career, according to Pelicans executive vice president David Griffin. Williamson signed a five-year, $194.3 million designated rookie contract extension in July 2022. The two-time All-Star has career averages of 25.8 points, 7.0 rebounds and 3.6 assists with the Pelicans.
“I can tell you Zion Williamson has been in our gym more than he has in his entire career in the offseason,” Griffin said, via Chrisitan Clark of Nola.com. “He has been in New Orleans virtually all offseason, which is different.”
Williamson played pickup basketball with teammates early in September. The forward has been working with trainers to help get his lower body ready for an 82-game season. The 23-year-old Williamson is healthy, so it will be fascinating to see how many games he plays in 2023-24.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS:Â Zion Williamson, New Orleans Pelicans Updates
The Pelicans were interested in trading up in the 2023 NBA Draft to select Scoot Henderson. There were rumors about New Orleans trading Williamson to the Portland Trail Blazers, who drafted Henderson. However, no deal was made.
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