Free at last!
Zion Williamson is likely to feel something like this this season.
After a debut season in which the New Orleans Pelicans basketball phenomenon was slowed down by a knee injury and minute limit, he plans to attack in his second NBA year. (Schedule for the 2020/21 NBA season)
Because under the new coach Stan van Gundy, according to his own statement, he should not receive any restriction on playing time. “The new season will […] everything completely different, “explained the first pick of 2019.
Limit frustrates Williamson
As a rookie, Williamson had missed the entire first half of the season due to a torn meniscus. The forward was then carefully set up by those responsible around ex-trainer Alvin Gentry – which increasingly annoyed him – and received just under 28 minutes per game in a total of 24 games. Experts have always had doubts about weight and health.
“You do rehab, then you come on the field and you can only play three or four minutes at a time,” said Williamson. He “tried to make the best of the situation and I think I succeeded.”
On his debut on January 22nd, he scored 22 points in 18 minutes, 17 of them in a row! An average of 22.5 encouraging points, 6.3 rebounds and 2.1 assists in 24 games.
Williamson will mit New Orleans in die Playoffs
In the slightly shortened 2020/21 season, the 20-year-old doesn’t just want to take the next step personally.
“Losing is not fun, even if it helps you get better,” he said after the Pelicans’ record of 30-42, which was not enough for the playoffs. The team should now “convert this experience into positive energy.” (Tables of the NBA)
With Williamson, Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram and veterans Steven Adams, JJ Redick and Eric Bledsoe, New Orleans promises a spectacle especially on the offensive, which the number 1 pick of the previous year should lead. The way to the playoffs is a mammoth task in the strong West.
Williamson’s change makes the competition fear
Williamson let his qualities flash again and again last year. With full fitness, he could be considered a candidate for the Most Improved Player award.
He came to the training camp “in great shape” and impressed in the fitness test. Williamson seems to have made a leap in fitness, especially.
According to Brian Windhorst from ESPN the athlete, who was listed at about 130 kilograms at the beginning of last season, is said to have lost 25 pounds (about 11 kilograms) since the bubble phase in Orlando, which should (further) help his health and mobility. The idea of a fit and possibly more explosive Williamson is already daunting for the rest of the NBA.
“I rely on instincts and IQ. Last year I could only rely on IQ and my body was not able to do certain things,” said Williamson. “Now I have both again. I think it will be a big difference. “
Williamson is ready to take on the NBA.
