Since joining the NBA, Zion Williamson’s fitness has been a concern throughout his career, but fans were treated to a shock, as a recent photo from a basketball camp showed him in a well-reduced shape. This led Carmelo Anthony on the 7PM in Brooklyn podcast, dropping his own cents on the change.
Carmelo Anthony praised Williamson’s transformation as well as expressed concern about his ability to maintain the new-found fitness. Williamson has struggled with injuries and weight problems since his rookie season, but last season showed promise as he took his conditioning seriously.
He looked like he was in the best shape of his life. But it’s like, it’s not getting in shape, it’s remaining in shape. It’s remaining fit. Now you going to get there but are you going to keep that going? Are you going to do what you got to do to keep that, you know, being locked in? How are you going to do that? It’s a long season, and you really got to put the work in to remain that way. There are no days off.
Carmelo Anthony said on 7PM in Brooklyn
“We’re always gonna root for Zion.”
Melo explains why the NBA is a better place when Zion Williamson is healthy and playing. pic.twitter.com/9hsQq6nbue
— 7PM in Brooklyn (@7PMinBrooklyn) August 30, 2024
However, Williamson’s fitness journey is far from over. He has missed at least 53 games in three of his five pro seasons, and his ability to maintain fitness will be crucial to his success. Carmelo Anthony, who appeared in at least 72 games across nine of his first 15 NBA seasons, knows the importance of maintaining fitness.
The New Orleans Pelicans, led by Zion and Brandon Ingram, showed promise last season but fell short in the playoffs. The New Orleans Pelicans season starts with a home game against the Chicago Bulls.
Zion Williamson wows fans with break dance-like dunk on Jordan Brand’s China tour
The off-season break continues as Zion Williamson joined fellow NBA stars Paolo Banchero, Luka Doncic, and Jayson Tatum on Jordan Brand’s China tour with a now-viral video of him showcasing his athleticism with a strange dunk that left fans in awe. The tour has been a hit as it has featured some of the biggest names associated with Jordan Brand, including Williamson, who has a shoe line with the company.
As Williamson enters his sixth season in the NBA there is the added pressure on him to deliver on his enormous potential. He would first have to maintain his current fitness as it has been his Achilles’ heel.
No doubt his health is crucial for the Pelicans, who are aiming to be a playoff team again. With the addition of Dejounte Murray to their core, the team is looking to build on last season’s success. Williamson, who averaged 24.7 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game last season, is determined to finally play in the playoffs after missing last year’s first-round series due to injury.
