New Orleans Pelicans star Zion Williamson has explained how he’s trying to follow a blueprint set by LeBron James.
Williamson is regarded as one of the most talented players in the NBA having been drafted by the Pelicans in 2019 with the No.1 overall pick, but has since struggled with a series of injuries. Since taking part in his first NBA season in 2019/20, Williamson has played just 114 games for the Pelicans. That means the forward has missed a total of 188 games due to various injuries and rehabilitation across his career.
Williamson, 23, missed the entirety of the 2021/22 season with a foot injury and after making his return at the start of last season, went on to suffer a series of injuries which restricted him to playing just 29 out of a possible 82 games. The last match Williamson played was on January 3 in a 120-111 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers. Williamson suffered a hamstring injury and spent the remainder of the season on the sidelines in recovery.
Now that the off-season is well underway, and the training camp begins in September, Williamson will be eyeing a return to the court for the start of next season. And the former No.1 draft pick has explained he’s using James as his inspiration after the legend completed 20 seasons in the NBA having being drafted by the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2003. And Williamson revealed the Los Angeles Lakers star has the “blueprint” for being able to maintain a high level of fitness across his career.
"So the diet piece, I’m always able to come back each summer feeling good, looking good,” said Williamson on Gil’s Arena , when asked about his off-season fitness plans. “But I would say it's more of just locking in on flexibility, band-work. I think it's those things that will be able to keep me on the court longer versus just losing a bunch of weight and coming to play and not being able to maintain it. I mean LeBron got the blueprint, I'm going to try my best to follow it.”
Before this year’s NBA Draft, there was speculation around Williamson’s future in New Orleans. The Pelicans selected Jordan Hawkins from Connecticut with the 14th overall pick, and Williamson ended up remaining in Louisiana.
While it’s still possible that Williamson could be traded by the Pelicans, it would seem unlikely now that the draft has been completed. Williamson will likely be focused on his rehabilitation and making sure he is as fit as possible by the time the start of the 2023/24 season rolls around.
