Image Credit: Matthew Hinton-Imagn Images

Pelicans Star Zion Williamson Undergoes Stunning Body Transformation, Reveals Feeling Like Duke Again

Zion Williamson had an intense offseason transformation!

Image Credit: Matthew Hinton-Imagn Images

New Orleans Pelicans star Zion Williamson turned heads with a stunning physical transformation during the 2025 NBA offseason. Williamson, who is set to enter his seventh year in the league this year, appeared during the Pelicans’ Media Day with a leaner and healthier physique. The 25-year-old forward was subjected to repeated criticism over his weight and durability. However, he has decided to shut all the critics with his revamped physique and renewed energy, signaling a return to his All-Star dominance.

As he appeared in front of the media, the two-time NBA All-Star declared that he’s feeling ‘really good.’ “We came up with a plan from boxing to working out on the football field a lot to just different random workouts,” Williamson said. “And during that timeframe last year, I really felt a shift in my body to where I would look at him and go, ‘Dude, it feels good to feel good.’ He added, “I haven’t felt like this since college, high school, just where I can walk into a gym and I feel good.”

Year 6 loading for Zion Williamson 💪 https://t.co/GbcShj3Sjl
— NBA (@NBA) September 23, 2025

Notably, the 2019 NBA Draft first overall pick, Williamson, hasn’t been able to live up to everyone’s expectations. While he has displayed talent and potential, the Duke alum has had consistent battles with untimely injuries. He maintains a career average of 24.7 points per game, but a series of injuries marred his his on-court explosiveness. Overall, he has missed more than 268 games, which is way more than the 214 games he played since turning pro.

Williamson has already proven that he is one of the most dominating forces when healthy. His best season came in 2020-21 when he dropped an average of 27.0 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game across 61 appearances. He is yet to play a postseason game though. After acquiring Williamson, the Pelicans advanced to the playoffs twice but both times during his injury. During both the appearances, the Pelicans suffered first-round losses.

Williamson hasn’t been very available during his career. However, after undergoing an intense offseason training, it seems that the star forward is determined to lead the side to a better finish this season.

Zion Williamson Shares his Learnings on Greatness, Reveals he is Ready to do Everything for his Team

The 2020 NBA All-Rookie First Team member shared his learning on greatness. He also said that he is ready to do everything he can for his team. Williamson revealed having a conversation with Pelicans GM Joe Dumars, where the former discussed the difference between talent and greatness. The 6’6” player said that the difference is that while talent is natural, greatness is choosing to be better everyday.

“Talent is more of a natural thing like you can look at somebody and go, ‘Okay, they’re really talented’, Williamson said.” “Greatness is every day. Greatness is when you don’t want to do it, when you want to do it. If you’re facing crazy adversity, good, bad, no matter what’s going on, greatness, you do it every day. You show up every day and you make it happen every day.”

The North Carolina-born revealed that he is ready to do whatever his team needs from him.

The shift in Williamson’s attitude leaves fans hopeful of a better season. He is expected to not only make more appearances for his side, but also guide them to maximum wins.

Zion Williamson

Garima Ranawat

Garima is a sports writer with around two years of experience in Indian sports and a newfound interest in the NBA. Inspired by the leadership of cricketing legend MS Dhoni, she wishes to bring in newer perspectives to the NBA fanatics with her writing.