The first NBA In-Season Tournament didn’t end the way the New Orleans Pelicans wanted.
In their final game of the tournament, some people said that Zion Williamson looked sluggish and even out of shape.
Apparently, Williamson heard those complaints and did something about them.
ESPN’s Brian Windhorst is reporting, via NBACentral, that Williamson has reportedly lost 25 pounds since the In-Season Tournament.
“I’ve got people in New Orleans telling me that since December, when the In-Season Tournament happened, that Zion Williamson has lost 25 or more pounds and his performance has been excellent,” Windhorst said.
Zion Williamson has reportedly lost 25 pounds since the in-season tournament, per @WindhorstESPN
“I’ve got people in New Orleans telling me that since December, when the In-Season Tournament happened, that Zion Williamson has lost 25 or more pounds and his performance has been… pic.twitter.com/2lPuDY2kBJ
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) March 18, 2024
Since the Pelicans’ huge loss to the Los Angeles Lakers in the In-Season Tournament, Williamson has averaged 22.8 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 5.2 assists.
Over the last few months, he has looked more in shape and competitive and his team has benefited from that in a huge way.
They are currently hot on the heels of the Los Angeles Clippers for the fourth seed in the Western Conference with a 41-26 record.
Williamson’s output has exploded again during the last five games and he is recording 28.6 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game.
He isn’t the only reason that the Pelicans are making noise in the West but he has been driven and powerful in a way that he hasn’t been in some time.
Ever since his rookie year, critics have complained about how Williamson takes care of his body.
They have blamed everything from his conditioning to his dietary choices.
Those people have nothing to complain about right now because Williamson has shed a ton of weight and is again performing like an All-Star talent.
He has enhanced his body and game at the perfect time, just weeks before the playoffs begin.
NEXT: Pelicans HC Reacts After Zion Williamson's Big Performance