Since his arrival in the NBA, Zion Williamson has consistently faced scrutiny over his fitness levels. From nagging injuries to concerns about his irregular diet, the young star’s physical condition has become a talking point amongst fans and Pelicans’ supporters alike. However, recent comments from Williamson’s trainer have only raised further questions regarding his fitness regime.
In an interview, the renowned trainer dropped a cryptic bombshell, alluding to undisclosed hurdles that have hindered Zion’s progress. While specifics remain elusive, this revelation has sparked renewed debate about whether the Pelicans’ organization is doing enough to ensure their franchise player’s long-term health and success.
Williamson’s ex-trainer raises eyebrows amid Pelicans’ fitness fiasco
Zion Williamson’s former trainer, Jasper Bibbs, has added fuel to the fire of the New Orleans Pelicans’ concerns about Williamson’s fitness. Following reports that the Pelicans are unhappy with Zion’s conditioning alongside him being spotted in a fast food chain, Bibbs responded cryptically on social media.
In one Instagram story post, he used a shrugging emoji, seemingly dismissing the reports. In another post, Bibbs shared a photo of a seemingly slimmer Zion, captioning it “Remember when.” The photo was taken in September 2022, just before the start of the current season.
Williamson, the first overall pick in the 2019 NBA draft, has faced numerous setbacks due to injuries, having played only limited games in his first three seasons. Conditioning has always been a question mark for the talented forward, who is listed at 6’6″ and 284 pounds. Considering his elite athleticism, many wonder if Zion would be more effective at a lighter weight.
Despite his size, Williamson remains a productive player for the Pelicans, averaging over 20 points per game. However, he hasn’t been able to match his previous season’s performance when he was healthy. With a huge contract extension, the Pelicans are heavily invested in Zion Williamson’s development and expect him to perform at a superstar level for the team’s success.
Zion Williamson takes responsibility for Pelicans’ disappointment against Lakers
In a disheartening loss against the Lakers, Zion Williamson of the New Orleans Pelicans shouldered the blame for his team’s lackluster performance.
Despite his efforts in scoring 13 points and contributing two rebounds, three assists, and three turnovers, the Pelicans experienced a staggering -33 point differential during Williamson’s 26 minutes of play. Recognizing his shortcomings, Williamson admitted, “I got to be better…more aggressive in finding my shot…do more things to get my team going…defensively, I got to be better.”
Facing a formidable Lakers squad, LeBron James took charge with 30 points, five assists, and eight rebounds in a mere 23 minutes. Pelicans coach Willie Green expressed disappointment in his team’s lack of competitive spirit and acknowledged the Lakers’ dominance. This setback mirrors Williamson’s previous unsatisfactory performance in the NBA’s In-Season tournament, highlighting the urgency for improvement in the playoffs.
As the first overall pick in the 2019 draft and an outstanding talent, Zion Williamson understands the expectations placed upon him. Despite hunting for the best shot possible, he acknowledges that his teammates demand more, and he demands more from himself. In preparation for their upcoming game against the Timberwolves, Williamson aims to trust his game, be more aggressive, and infuse the team with the energy needed to secure a victory.
It remains to be seen if Williamson can shake off the weight on his shoulders and propel the Pelicans to success in the postseason.
