New Orleans Pelicans striker Zion Williamson gave fans a first overview of his new physique Thursday in his first competition game since March. He led the Pélicans to a pre-season victory of 107-97 against Melbourne United in Australia on Thursday, and teased a more explosive performance in his next match on Sunday against the south-east of Melbourne.
The former Duke star finished with 15 points, two rebounds and five assists, all in just 15 minutes of playing time. He spoke after the match and the showers of praise of the Australian crowd, where he promised a better performance in the next Pélicans match.
“On Sunday, I think they will give me more minutes. I hope yes. If they show up on Sunday, I have something for them.”
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Zion entered the league after a stellar season with Duke. However, despite all the media, its availability was a recurring problem. During his six seasons in the League (from 2019 to 2025), he missed more matches than he played (more than 258 missed against 214 played).
In addition, its weight and packaging were also a contention apple. This led to Pelicans in its extension of contract in 2022, including clauses linked to him by maintaining thresholds of weight and body fat.
Before the new season, Zion Williamson seemed much thinner than during past seasons. Pelicans’ performance director Daniel Bove has been recognized to rework his off -season regime. The new approach would have included boxing sessions, exercises on football fields and other non-traditional basketball packaging exercises to help it build endurance, explosiveness and resilience.
Zion Williamson opens with playing with the new teammate, Jordan Poole
Zion Williamson is ready to direct the Pélicans this season after a summer spent working to improve his physique. The Pelicans added reinforcements to support Williamson and he spoke of chemistry between him and the new teammate Jordan Poole.
“Regarding my chemistry with Jordan Poole … It’s a competitor and I think we are going to have a lot of fun on the field,” said Williamson, according to Inkl. “It will be exciting to watch”
New Orleans’ Pelicans have officially acquired Jordan Poole, Saddiq Bey and the rights of the PEAVY Micah project (choice n ° 40 in 2025) among Washington Wizards on July 6. In return, the Pélicans sent CJ McCollum, Kelly Olynyk and a future second round choice in Washington.
Poole was the top scorer of the Wizards last season. He collected on average 20.5 points, 4.5 assists, 3.0 rebounds and 1.3 interceptions per game. And its addition will bring an essential firepower to Pélicans (21-61) which finished last season 14th at the Western Conference.
A Fit Zion Williamson, which has an average of 24.6 ppg, 7.2 RPG and 5.3 APG, with Poole will give the fans of New Orleans hoping that they will be able to make the playoffs for the first time since the 2023/24 season.
Edited by Ubong Richard
