The New Orleans Pelicans have repeatedly stressed to star Zion Williamson that his diet and conditioning have to improve.
However, according to Christian Clark of The Times-Picayune, Williamson “doesn’t listen.”
Williamson is listed at 284 pounds. Most people around the NBA believe the lefty weighs more than that.
The Pelicans got blown out by the Los Angeles Lakers in the semifinals of the NBA’s In-Season Tournament and Williamson wasn’t moving well on offense or defense.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Zion Williamson, Los Angeles Lakers, New Orleans Pelicans Updates
“I got to be better,” Williamson said. “I got to be more aggressive, finding my shot. I got to do more things to get my team going. I think I was too laid-back tonight, and I just can’t do that. And defensively I got to be better.”
Williamson is averaging 22.2 points, 5.6 rebounds and 4.8 assists on the season for the Pelicans while shooting 57.4% from the field, 33.3% from beyond the arc and 64.2% from the foul line. The Pelicans are 12-11. They are in eighth place in the Western Conference standings.
“I have a problem where I literally just try to hunt the best shot possible every time, but my teammates, they expect more from me,” Williamson said. “I expect more from myself. I got to just trust my game. I just got to be more aggressive. I think if I’m more aggressive that energy will definitely carry over.”
The Pelicans signed Williamson to a five-year, $197 million extension in July 2022. Williamson has career averages of 25.3 points, 6.8 rebounds and 3.8 assists, but he’s never played in the playoffs and continues to come up short in big games.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Zion Williamson, Los Angeles Lakers, New Orleans Pelicans Updates
There were rumors that the Pelicans were close to trading Williamson last offseason. No deal happened, but Williamson’s future in New Orleans is something to keep an eye on.
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