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Zion Williamson Then and Now: Inspiring transformation of New Orleans Pelicans player

Zion Williamson gained national attention when the famous rapper Drake sported his jersey in a post on Instagram
UPDATED OCT 30, 2023
Zion Williamson consistently struggled with his weight, which became a subject of worry in NBA circles (Lance King, Justin Ford, Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
Zion Williamson consistently struggled with his weight, which became a subject of worry in NBA circles (Lance King, Justin Ford, Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)

From high school phenom to NBA sensation, Zion Williamson's stunning transformation

(Lance King, Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
New Orleans Pelicans power forward Zion Lateef Williamson has astounded both fans and critics with his impressive body transformation (Lance King, Chris Graythen/Getty Images)

New Orleans Pelicans power forward Zion Lateef Williamson has astounded both fans and critics with his impressive body transformation. The physical fitness of the 23-year-old NBA sensation, who has been in the public eye since his high school years, has consistently been a struggle and subject of discussion. It was reported that the NBA star experienced a substantial weight gain during his injury recovery period, with sources stating his weight reached a peak of 330 lbs. At the age of 23, Williamson participated in only 29 games in the last season due to an injury. He played in 61 games the previous year and 24 games during his rookie season. He is recognized for his speed and leaping ability despite being heavier than most basketball players. Kevin Durant, an NBA player, referred to him as a "once-in-a-generation type athlete" and an anonymous college basketball coach called him a "freak of nature." Let's explore the journey of the fourth youngest player in NBA history to be chosen for an All-Star game. 

2013 to 2016: Zion Williamson becomes top scorer at NBP Top 100 camp

High school basketball player Zion Williamson (Spartanburg Day School - Spartanburg, SC) attends Countdown To Craziness at Cameron Indoor Stadium on October 22, 2016 in Durham, North Carolina. (Photo by Lance King/Getty Images)
High school basketball player Zion Williamson from Spartanburg Day School, SC, attends Countdown To Craziness at Cameron Indoor Stadium on October 22, 2016, in Durham, North Carolina (Lance King/Getty Images)

Zion Williamson participated in youth leagues under the guidance of his mother Sharonda Sampson and competed for the Sumter Falcons in the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) circuit, facing opponents who were four years older than him. Later on, he began honing his skills as a point guard with the assistance of his stepfather Lee Anderson, a former college basketball player. He then joined the basketball team at Johnakin Middle School in Marion, South Carolina, where his mother once again served as his coach. In 2013, he led Johnakin to a remarkable 8–1 record and secured a conference title, as per The Morning News. In March of 2015, Williamson participated in the SCISA North-South All-Star Game held in Sumter, South Carolina. Standing at 6 ft 6 in (1.98 m) by his second year in high school, he was a force to be reckoned with. In June 2016, Zion took part in the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) Top 100 camp and emerged as the top scorer. Later, in August, he clinched victory in the dunk contest at the Under Armour Elite 24 showcase held in New York City. 

2017: Zion Williamson featured on magazine cover

(@zionwilliamson/Instagram)
Zion Williamson was featured on the cover of the basketball magazine Slam (@zionwilliamson/Instagram)

Zion Williamson gained national attention on January 15, 2017, when the famous rapper Drake sported his jersey in a post on Instagram. By June, he was featured on the cover of the basketball magazine Slam. In his first home game on November 21, he contributed 29 points and 11 rebounds to the Griffins’ 70–55 victory over Hammond School. However, he sustained a bruise to his left foot during the game which kept him off the court for more than a month. During his recovery period, he said, "It's really been a time to grow mentally," as per The State. He made a comeback from his injury on January 11, 2018.

2019 to 2020: Zion Williamson's troubles with weight

Zion Williamson #1 of the New Orleans Pelicans works out before the start of the game against Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on January 3, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
Zion Williamson #1 of the New Orleans Pelicans works out before the start of the game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on January 3, 2020, in Los Angeles, California (Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)

Zion Williamson’s weight became a significant issue during the 2019-2020 NBA season. Despite being the first overall pick in the 2019 NBA draft and a dominant force on the court, the player's health became a major concern for the New Orleans Pelicans. His weight, which was 284 lbs reportedly reached 330 lbs and was blamed for his frequent injuries. Since entering the league in the 2019-2020 season, Williamson played in only 114 games, as per First Sportz.

2021 to 2022: Zion Williamson undergoes surgery

 Zion Williamson's weight exceeded 300 lbs, causing worry among the staff of the Pelicans (@zionwilliamson/Instagram)
Zion Williamson's weight exceeded 300 lbs, causing worry among the Pelicans staff (@zionwilliamson/Instagram)

A report from Bleacher Report in October 2021 disclosed that at one point, Zion Williamson's weight exceeded 300 lbs, causing worry among the staff of the Pelicans. One Western Conference executive said, "These are the injuries you have to be the most concerned about, a foot injury for a guy with noted weight issues." His rookie season saw him participating in only 24 games, largely due to a preseason injury where he tore the lateral meniscus in his right knee, which kept him out of action for 44 games. He managed to play in 61 games in his second year. However, in July 2021, he suffered a fracture to the fifth metatarsal in his right foot and underwent surgery. This resulted in him missing the entire 2021-22 season. According to Christian Clark at NOLA.com, New Orleans incorporated a clause stipulating that he must maintain a combined weight and body fat percentage of 295. 

2022 to 2023: Zion Williamson's intensive prep for NBA season

Zion Williamson #1 of the New Orleans Pelicans stands on the court prior to the start of an NBA game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Smoothie King Center on March 27, 2022 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
Zion Williamson #1 of the New Orleans Pelicans stands on the court before the start of an NBA game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Smoothie King Center on March 27, 2022, in New Orleans, Louisiana (Sean Gardner/Getty Images)

Zion Williamson embarked on an intensive preparation journey for the 2022-23 NBA season. He relocated to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where he initiated an eight-week regimen consisting of two workouts per day. As a result of this rigorous routine, he managed to reduce his body weight and fat percentage. Observing his transformation, Williamson's personal trainer Jasper Bibbs stated, "He's in fantastic shape. He's been committed to putting in the work day in and day out. I'm really proud of what he's been able to accomplish. He's a better athlete now than he's ever been," as per The Athlete.

2023: Zion Williamson in his best physical form

Zion Williamson #1 of the New Orleans Pelicans during the game against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum on October 25, 2023 in Memphis, Tennessee. (Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images)
Zion Williamson #1 of the New Orleans Pelicans during the game against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum on October 25, 2023, in Memphis, Tennessee (Justin Ford/Getty Images)

Pelicans veteran CJ McCollum is adamant about the effort his teammate Zion Williamson is putting into his game. Doubts have been raised consistently about whether Williamson has been fully committed to maintaining the necessary physical condition to withstand a professional schedule. However, current indications suggest that Williamson is possibly in the best physical condition of his life, and his performance in the preseason has been encouraging, as per the New York Post. "I do feel like he has matured a lot. I feel like he has an understanding of what’s expected of him and exactly what he needs to do consistently in order to be available," McCollum said.

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