New Orleans Pelicans star Zion Williamson says he feels healthier and more focused than he has in years, revealing on Media Day that this summer marked a turning point in his training. He credited his work with trainer for helping him regain a level of fitness he hasn’t experienced since his college days.
Williamson emphasized that building relationships with key teammates and coaches was a major focus during the offseason. “The focus this past summer was to build a relationship with Joe and Troy and just stay locked in on the game,” he said, referring to the Pelicans’ leadership staff.
He also highlighted the mentorship of Pelicans Vice President Joe Dumars, pointing out that having a former NBA champion and Finals MVP in his corner has been invaluable. “I know he sees the game in a way similar to how I was trained. We see the game in similar ways,” Williamson explained.
The 25-year-old forward discussed the difference between talent and greatness, noting that talent is natural but greatness comes from consistent effort. “Greatness is every day. Even when you don’t want to do it, no matter the adversity, you do it every day,” he said.
Continuity with head coach Willie Green was another area Williamson highlighted. After five years together, he said the familiarity allows open communication both on and off the court. “He can talk to me and I can talk to him. We have that relationship,” he added.
Williamson expressed excitement about embracing leadership responsibilities, particularly with the team’s roster changes. “Whatever the team needs, that’s what I’ll do,” he said. He also praised the addition of experienced veterans like Kevon Looney and Jordan Poole for bringing championship-level insight to the locker room.
The Pelicans forward acknowledged the contributions of past teammates such as Brandon Ingram and CJ McCollum, crediting them for shaping his understanding of leadership. Despite their departures, he said he does not feel pressure but rather motivation to support the team’s younger players.
Williamson described his summer workouts as a combination of basketball drills, boxing, and football-based exercises, all designed to improve his agility and strength. “I haven’t felt like this since college, high school, just where I can walk into the gym and feel good,” he said.
