The New Orleans Pelicans picked Zion Williamson as the first overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft. Before going pro, “Zanos” spent one season as a college player with the Duke Blue Devils, guiding them to the Elite 8.
Most basketball followers thought the Pelicans would have to be crazy not to select Zion Williamson if they had won the draft lottery. The Pelicans sought out another franchise big man in the summer of 2019 after dealing Anthony Davis to the LA Lakers. There was no question in their minds who they would choose between Ja Morant of Murray State and Williamson.
Zion was just 19 when he got drafted and had a multi-million dollar deal with him. Williamson was asked if it’s difficult to diet at his age by Gilbert Arenas during a recent appearance on Gil’s Arena this week. Zion replied “It’s hard man. When you’re 20-22, a lot of money, feels like all the money in the world man, it is hard.”
Zion Williamson admits it was hard for him to diet a few years ago pic.twitter.com/9xkY79tsV2
— NBACentral (@TheNBACentral) July 11, 2023
Despite his ailments, New Orleans has great faith in Williamson and last summer agreed to a five-year, $193 million agreement with him. He is hopeful that a season of good health to come would show that the investment was worthwhile.
When is Zion Williamson returning to the NBA court?
Williamson has only appeared in 114 games for the Pelicans since beginning his debut NBA season in 2019–20. This indicates that during the course of his career, the forward has missed a total of 188 games due to various ailments and recuperation.
Williamson last competed on January 3 against the Philadelphia 76ers, losing 120-111. He sustained a hamstring injury and missed the rest of the season while healing.
Williamson will probably be concentrating on his recovery and being as fit as possible before the start of the 2023–24 season as he is expected to return to the court next season. Since the Pelicans have a quality squad around him and might make a serious playoff run if Williamson is able to play in the coming summer, all eyes will be on Zion to see how he does.