Zion Williamson Shows Off Weight Loss During Pelicans Media Day

This week, Zion Williamson, a star for the New Orleans Pelicans, showcased his weight loss achievements at the team’s media day, following a rigorous conditioning program.

“I truly felt a change in my body,” Williamson expressed to reporters. “I’ve never experienced anything like this before; stepping into college, high school, or even the gym feels different and better.”

He mentioned Joe Dumars, who joined the organization as the executive vice president of basketball operations last April, will play a key role in holding him accountable.

“He’s going to hold me accountable and also give me more responsibility,” Williamson noted. “I know he’ll keep me to a high standard and will be right there to ensure I stay on track.”

Williamson, now in his seventh season with the Pelicans, has had a reputation for being one of the heavier players in the NBA since coming into the league in 2019 as the top pick from Duke.

The Pelicans’ performance director, Daniel Bobe, who has a background as a 6-foot-6 power forward trainer, has focused on addressing Williamson’s weight fluctuations and recurring injuries over the summer. The training involved boxing workouts and drills on the soccer field.

“I could really feel the improvements in my body,” he commented about Bobe’s program. “It feels good to feel better.”

Pelicans head coach Willie Green expressed optimism about Williamson’s consistent presence at the team’s facility during the offseason. “I’ve seen the effort he put in this summer, his focus on conditioning and taking care of himself,” Green said. “He genuinely wants to be there for his teammates.”