After logging 62 games last season, a blueprint for longevity and rigorous offseason training has the New Orleans Pelicans hopeful again that star forward Zion Williamson is taking that next step.
The New Orleans Pelicans have one of the more confusing star players in recent NBA history. Zion Williamson is among the most fun people to watch in the sport and shows utter dominance at times, but has had so many injury issues to start his career that the fanbase has started to turn on him.
Since being drafted first overall in 2019, Williamson has played in 276 of 554 games. That is 49.8%, which is clearly not enough. However, the 25-year-old made major strides last season as he reached a new second-highest single-season total at 62 and appeared in his most consecutive games at 35.
People aren't completely bought back in yet, understandable after so many years of unknown, but the fanbase does seem to have acknowledged that it was a major step in the right direction. Now, they're waiting to se what he does in 2027, as it appears the team is going to hold on to him.
His personal trainer, Kris Chrisp, has been sharing updates throughout the offseason of his progress and it has fans excited to see Williamson so bought in still in the middle of June when the team is usually off.
Chrisp recently made an appearance on the "No Picks Show" podcast hosted by Chedda Chaz, and had some positive comments about Williamson's progress so far this offseason, and is hoping fans hold judgment until the season begins.
"I'm very confident, and I'm very happy and encouraged by what I see. And I ask for the Pelicans fans to just be patient until the season starts, reserve your opinions, reserve your thoughts. Just let the season start and watch how he looks."
Williamson posted 21.0 points, 5.7 rebounds and 3.2 assists last season while shooting 60% from the field. It was a bit of a step down in terms of production, but that's a little bit of the trade off.
The game plan last season took a little bit of stress off Williamson's plate, and that likely helped keep him healthy, as he just wasn't doing as much. They were more picky about when he actually attacked.
At least there is now a blueprint for quick in-season recovery and longevity. Now, he just needs to do it again.
"God forbid, something happens, we can look at each other and say, we've been here before. We can get through this. This is easy for us to get through, because now we have an understanding of what the body does and how it responds to certain treatments, certain modalities, and how quickly you can heal from it."
