When in good health, Zion Williamson, the basketball sensation from Duke University and the fifth-year forward for the New Orleans Pelicans, becomes an almost unstoppable force. Standing at an impressive 6 feet 6 inches and weighing 285 pounds, he is a dominant presence on the court, averaging a remarkable 25.8 points per game throughout his career. In addition to his scoring prowess, he secures an average of 7.0 rebounds and dishes out 3.6 assists, all while maintaining an impressive field goal percentage of 60.5.
Consider this: no other player in the history of the NBA has managed to maintain an average of over 25 points per game throughout their career while shooting above 60 percent. This extraordinary feat has been achieved by only one other player, the renowned Boston Celtics’ star, Kevin McHale, and that too in a single season.
Despite facing injury setbacks, Williamson accomplished this feat again in the previous season, earning his second NBA All-Star recognition. However, due to injuries, he participated in just 29 games and was absent from the team’s final 45 matches. This came after he missed the entirety of the 2021-22 season.
However, recent images from an off-season workout session with the New Orleans Pelicans reveal a transformed Zion Williamson, looking more sculpted and prepared than ever before, suggesting he might finally put his critics to rest. One thing is certain: defenders will need to reconsider before attempting to take a charge against this physically imposing 23-year-old player.
Zion. Scary hours. pic.twitter.com/zZEI9gnG5q
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) August 18, 2023
Below are additional photographs of Williamson that emerged on social media last Friday, showcasing his potential that could arguably surpass that of any other active NBA players who were once part of the Duke Blue Devils:
More Zion flicks pic.twitter.com/zsDIx6zsdT
— Zion Williamson FanPage (@zionheadlines) August 18, 2023
Despite the recurring injury challenges faced by Zion Williamson – it’s worth noting that he and his fellow young Duke basketball standout, 25-year-old forward Brandon Ingram, have only managed to play together in 12 games across the last two seasons – the New Orleans Pelicans have displayed glimpses of a promising future.
The team concluded the season with a record of 42-40, even after enduring a challenging 10-game losing streak midseason, and came just one victory short of securing a spot in the NBA Playoffs through the Play-In Tournament.
It’s intriguing to envision the possibilities that could unfold with a complete season of Zion Williamson at his prime and in good health.
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