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Andrew LopezESPN
NEW ORLEANS — Zion Williamson Lamborghini owner and must be treated as such.
That was it! New Orleans Pelicans Forward Larry Nance’s Williamson is returning to the court after a long injury layoff to send a message to his star player teammate.
“You don’t put the most expensive gas in your Lambo. Nance stated this at Monday’s Pelicans media event. You go to the pump, and you put the 93-95, whatever it is, in there. This is because you don’t want your engine to be driving on the highway and hearing your engine. You don’t want this.”
Williamson broke his right leg last season and he missed the entire 2013-2014 season. Pelicans media day a year ago, Williamson was injured. It seemed that Williamson would not miss any of the regular season games. Williamson had many setbacks, and was never able to get on the court.
The media day this year was different. Williamson smiled all day.
Williamson stated that Williamson feels like he’s at his best right now. “I feel like I am moving faster, jumping higher. I feel great.”
Williamson has not played in an NBA match since May 4, 2021 when he broke his finger. This prematurely ended the 2020-21 season.
Williamson stated, “It’s been a while since I played a game but my excitement is high.” “I just want to get back onto the court.”
He’s now a personal strength and condition coach, and has also hired a chef to help him get back to the court. Williamson spent the last month in Fort Lauderdale, Florida getting ready for the season.
“I have always been a closed-off guy. Williamson stated that it’s how Williamson is. That’s how it was when I was a child, but finding the right team and putting them together made work feel more like fun than work. It was just having fun doing what I enjoy. It was a slow process. I remember being in Fort Lauderdale and getting up early. But after about a week, it wasn’t like getting up at 4:30 or 5:30. It didn’t feel that way. No, it felt like I was just about to go the gym and put in some work.
Williamson stated that he listens to veterans such as Nance. CJ McCollum Garrett Temple Concerning the care of his body. Williamson brought back moments during this summer that he felt their help was worth it.
It’s like when I’m at the gym and something happens, and I feel like I can do it. Williamson replied, “That’s different.” “But I learned a lot, both from a nutrition perspective and from a working out standpoint, about how long I should be in the gym, as well as the most efficient way to workout.”
Williamson smiled when asked if there was one moment when he knew that he was back.
Williamson can now shift his focus to this season, and helping a team that was in the playoffs late. The Pelicans were 3-16 in the season before finishing 33-30 to reach the play-in tournament, where they beat the Grizzlies. San Antonio Spurs Los Angeles Clippers will be the eighth seed.
The Pelicans have kept this group intact since last season. Now they get Williamson. Williamson was a player who averaged 27 ppg and 7.2 rebound on 61.1% shooting in 2020-21.
Willie Green, Pelicans coach, will try to get Williamson back in the flow of offense this season.
Green explained that he goes back and watches film, then he talks to his coaching staff and figures out what works. “If it works, then we will make sure it is added. We move on if it doesn’t work. It will be a progression with Zion, and we won’t see Zion immediately. It will be a progression that he misses.
Williamson was a member of Brandon Ingram McCollum was purchased just before the February trade deadline and has not played with him in his two first seasons in the league.
McCollum’s two-year extension On Monday, Williamson was tied to the Pelicans team for the next 4 years. Williamson’s 5-year extension kicks in next season. Ingram has three years remaining. The Pelicans feel they have the chance to make a significant push.
Williamson said, “This group’s special.” Training camp will be like my first experience with team basketball. This makes me feel like I know a lot more. However, based on what I saw from the sidelines last season, I believe we have a very special group.
McCollum has not yet played with Williamson but he knows what to expect.
McCollum stated that McCollum believes McCollum is a force to reckon with. However, McCollum noted that his production speaks for itself on how consistent he has been in playing. “I believe it’s only him and two other hall-of-fameers that shoot over 60% with 25 points per games.”
McCollum was correct. Only Williamson and Charles Barkley are the only players to have averaged 25 points per match and shot at least 60% within a single season. Kevin McHale.
Williamson’s Pelicans roster will look a lot different than the one he was with last time he donned his uniform. Only Ingram. Jaxson HayesKira Lewis Willy Hernangomez Naji Marshall Remain with this team.
Williamson stated, “I think it will be very easy for me to fit into my teammates because they play this game the right way.” “Nobody’s selfish. Everyone wants to see the other succeed. We have many things to learn. You will have to teach me how to play the court with CJ and BI. Learn how Jose plays. [Alvarado]Trey [Murphy]Herb [Jones] Because I haven’t yet played with them, but it looks like it will be an easy fit from what I have seen on film.
Nance will be available to answer any questions Williamson may have about maintaining his health and fitness. Nance explained, “You don’t put cheap gasoline in the limbo.” “You are a Lambo. Spend that time and energy, keep your energy focused on the court. The team did some amazing things without you.
Williamson is the season’s ultimate goal.