Plagued by injuries since the start of his career, Zion Williamson has become a subject of frustration in New Orleans, the promises of his potential and his impact systematically stopping in the infirmary.
At 23, has the Pelicans strong winger finally understood that he had to be more serious in his approach and his preparation, to avoid these physical problems which are weighing him down, as well as his team? This is what he explained this summer to Gilbert Arenas, and this is what David Griffin, the sports boss of the franchise, confirms…
“I can tell you that Zion Williamson has never been in our gym more than during this offseason”explained David Griffin at the Times-Picayune. “He spent almost the entire offseason in New Orleans, which is a change. He worked a lot on his part. He spent time on it. For us, we’ve certainly learned over the years what works and what doesn’t. But much of this work falls to him. The question is whether he is willing to do what it takes to succeed…”
Faced with injuries to Zion Williamson but also Brandon Ingram, the Pelicans reorganized this summer, notably by pushing out Aaron Nelson, their head physical trainer. But for David Griffin, these changes will only be effective if the power forward is fully involved.
“Often, those around a player are judged for their lack of efficiency when in reality, not everyone has the same responsibility. He (Zion) has come to a point where he recognizes it and is ready to do his part. »
“What we tried to do in the offseason is not sit back and say, ‘Wow, if we could just be healthy, we could be really good.’ Because hope is not a plan »
The sports boss once again puts his trust in his group, “talented enough” to achieve great things, as he showed at the start of last season. It now remains to show it over time.
“What we tried to do in the offseason is not sit back and say, ‘Wow, if we could just be healthy, we could be really good.’ Because hope is not a plan. But Mrs. (Gayle) Benson has given us the financial means to approach this problem in different ways. We approached the subject from a medical point of view. We did very different things.”
However, David Griffin suggests that this may be the last chance for this group, and Zion Williamson.
“If we get to the point where we can’t move forward with this group, I feel like we’re really blessed from a shareholder perspective. And nothing will stop us from improving. »
Clearly, if this season is another failure, things could really change in New Orleans…
| Zion Williamson | Percentage | Rebounds | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season | Team | MJ | Min | Shots | 3pts | L.F. | Off | Def | Early | Pd | Party | Int | Bp | Ct | Pts |
| 2019-20 | NOP | 24 | 28 | 58.3 | 42.9 | 64.0 | 2.7 | 3.6 | 6.3 | 2.1 | 1.8 | 0.7 | 2.5 | 0.4 | 22.5 |
| 2020-21 | NOP | 61 | 33 | 61.1 | 29.4 | 69.8 | 2.7 | 4.5 | 7.2 | 3.7 | 2.2 | 0.9 | 2.7 | 0.6 | 27.0 |
| 2022-23 | NOP | 29 | 33 | 60.8 | 36.8 | 71.4 | 2.0 | 5.0 | 7.0 | 4.6 | 2.2 | 1.1 | 3.4 | 0.6 | 26.0 |
| Total | 114 | 32 | 60.5 | 34.3 | 69.1 | 2.5 | 4.4 | 7.0 | 3.6 | 2.1 | 0.9 | 2.9 | 0.6 | 25.8 | |
How to read the stats? MJ = matches played; Min = Minutes; Shots = Successful shots / Attempted shots; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; Off = offensive rebound; Def=defensive rebound; Tot = Total rebounds; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost balls; Ct: Against; Pts = Points.
