The New Orleans Pelicans could be a dark horse team to watch out for during the 2024-25 NBA season as they added a big piece in Dejounte Murray at the start of the offseason.
Trading for Murray signaled that the Pelicans are serious about competing in a loaded Western Conference and the point guard should be a huge add on both ends of the floor.
However, New Orleans’ best chance of getting through the gauntlet in the conference is a strong year from Zion Williamson.
When healthy, Williamson is one of the most dominant players in the league as there aren’t many players who can stay in front of him.
He’s got tremendous speed and athleticism for someone his size, though he just hasn’t been able to stay on the floor.
Williamson’s weight has been a persistent issue throughout his career, but his step dad revealed that the star big man is looking to cut down ahead of the regular season via Timeout Sports.
“Zion Williamson step-dad told C.Ruff today at his camp he’s currently 281 pounds (285 at Duke) and will be 272 by the time the season starts.”
Zion Williamson step-dad told C.Ruff today at his camp he’s currently 281 pounds (285 at Duke) and will be 272 by the time the season starts 💪🏾
Lets go Z. Great season loading 💯 pic.twitter.com/iaYKyw8B2W
— TimeoutSPORTS__ (@TimeoutSPORTS3) August 18, 2024
Williamson has been criticized for being out of shape in-season, but it looks like he’s well on pace to slim down and get to a playing weight where he can sustain higher levels of play.
If Williamson is able to keep the weight down and avoid injury over the course of the year, then the Pelicans should feel good about their chances this upcoming season.
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