While other NBA players started training in their home markets this week to prepare for the training ground, Zion Williamson never left.
The beginner phenomenon of the pelicans of New Orleans was a regular in the team structure during the break, one of the many players in the league has granted exceptions to allow them to rehabilitate injuries under the supervision of the team coaches to avoid any batting d ‘ arrest. All team facilities were closed on March 20, nine days after the season ended due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
“Zion has been diligent in taking care of himself,” said David Griffin, executive vice president of pelicans’ basketball operations. “It’s in a good space physically and mentally.”
Another source from the team went one step further.
“It will stun some people,” said the source.
Williamson’s ability to train constantly is a victory for the pelicans, who hope to climb to the playoff point no. 8 in the West once the game resumes on July 30 in Walt Disney World. But having Williamson healthy and capable of playing is also a victory for the NBA.
While several league sources have dismissed the thought that the NBA has gone out of its way to include pelicans in the bubble, having one of its biggest draws available for at least eight other games is undoubtedly a business advantage.
“I would think every time they play – you can put it on a Tuesday night, every time – people will watch that game,” said a Western Conference executive of having Williamson playing inside the bubble.
Other sources in the league expect pelicans to have many prime time television opportunities in Orlando.
“It goes without saying that a lot of people will just watch to watch it,” said another Western Conference executive. “Go back and watch how full the summer championship arena was to see it play. It will be huge.”
Since the opening night, the league has moved all-in on Williamson.
TV partners uploaded the pelicans’ matches, particularly at the beginning of the season, before he was forced to undergo knee surgery to repair the meniscus in his right knee the day before the start of the season. This forced New Orleans to play 12 national television games without him, but once he was able to return to the field, he proved he was worth the wait.
More than 2.4 million people have tuned in for his NBA debut on January 22 against the San Antonio Spurs. Nine of its 19 games have been broadcast nationwide, with an average of 30% more viewers than an average national television broadcast this season.
“Compared to most other young players, [the league is] invested in him, “said an executive of the Eastern Conference.” There are some of these guys who, instead of simply being popular in basketball, can expand the relevance of the NBA. They hope he can do it for them. “
In the bubble, that phase could grow.
If New Orleans managed to pass the tenth position in the Western Conference ranking up to the eighth seed, a matchup in the first round with the Los Angeles Lakers with seed no. 1 would likely be a league prize. The TNT February 27 match in Los Angeles on TNT drew 2.24 million viewers and a game in New Orleans on March 1 on ESPN had 2.69 million viewers.
It would also allow the NBA to show its biggest star, LeBron James, against one of the players who could eventually succeed him as a championship attraction.
“[Williamson is] a guy who drives eyeballs and attention, “said the Eastern Conference executive, before referring to another rising star who broke loose from an injury that met a title favorite in the NBA playoffs almost 30 years ago.
“[The NBA] I’d like to have a Michael Jordan against the Celtics ’86 moment in the first round, “continued the executive.” If they could get their ideal world, that’s what they would like. “
Pelicans are simply chasing a pre-season goal: playing meaningful games at the end of the season. This pursuit was helped by Williamson who has been allowed to continue using the Ochner Sports Performance Center in recent months, along with teammate Kenrich Williams, who was recovering from a back injury.
“We were lucky,” said Griffin. “I can do many of the things they had to do from the point of view of strength and conditioning of flexibility.”
Pliability has been paramount as pelicans have navigated Williamson’s injury this season. One of the main reasons why Williamson’s original six to eight week schedule for a return from surgery extended to 13 weeks was because pelicans wanted to make sure his body was able to move at £ 285 without undue stress. Although the pelicans did not reveal Williamson’s current weight, a team source said the team is “happy with where he is physically” and doesn’t expect him to get overweight.
Aaron Nelson, vice president of the team for the care and performance of the player, and head coach Tom Maystadt have been directly involved in Williamson’s training process and will continue to have input on how the team manages its beginner, being aware of his stamina and body language when on the pitch. According to several sources, Williamson also did additional work on the fundamentals of basketball at home during the layoff with his stepfather, Lee Anderson, whom he has long trusted as a coach and coach.
Now healthy, Williamson should have the opportunity to play high intensity basketball under bright lights, which will be a welcome sight for both pelicans and the NBA.
“Those reps against the best players on a bigger stage will certainly be significant for Zion as a nineteen year old,” Griffin said as he also notes the other young players on the team. “I think it’s important for those kids to play meaningful basketball-slash-playoffs.”
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