By Matthew Couden

Copyright newsweek

While many tabbed Zion Williamson as the next great superstar to emerge from college, injuries have hampered his NBA career with the New Orleans Pelicans so far.

The former Duke Blue Devils star dealt with a back injury near the end of last season, causing the Pelicans to shut him down. With a new season approaching, it seemed unclear how he’d show up and if the team might move on from him.

Some fans and analysts have consistently argued that Williamson needs to be more physically fit on the court to prevent injuries and contribute to his team’s success.

With his transformed appearance while speaking to the media, he may have answered those critics based on his recent appearance ahead of the team’s training camp.

The Pelicans’ former No. 1 pick appeared much slimmer and more fit than previously, suggesting he may have been working to get himself in better shape for the new season.

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And on Tuesday, Pelicans reporter Erin Summers reported that Williamson “said he’s feeling really good going into the season,” with a primary focus on “stay locked in on the game,” including watching “a lot of film.”

She also revealed that he is looking to build his relationship with the Pelicans’ front office, including Joe Dumars, Head of Basketball Operations, and Troy Weaver, Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations.

Zion Williamson said he’s feeling really good going into the season, focus this offseason was build a relationship with Joe, Troy, stay locked in on the game, watch a lot of film. Mentioned he’s worked a lot with TSpoon. #Pelicans— Erin Summers (@ErinESummers) September 23, 2025

Asked if he did anything different this year than in previous years to prepare for the new NBA season, he praised Pelicans trainer Daniel Bove. Williamson said they had a critical conversation about improving his fitness level amid his rehab from a hamstring injury.

They spoke about making the workouts more enjoyable and effective for him, including using boxing, “working out on the football field,” and “different random workouts.” Williamson said he “felt a shift in his body” and admitted to Bove, “It feels good to feel good.”

During Pelicans media day, Dumars also praised Williamson for looking good as the team heads into training camp. According to Williamson, he enjoyed his conversations with the former Detroit Pistons NBA champion.

“I like Joe, what you see is what you get. He’s gonna hold me accountable, and you know, as he holds me accountable, he’s going to give me a lot of responsibilities as well, which I’m excited for and look forward to. I know he’s gonna hold me to a really high standard,” he told reporters.

Williamson said he, Dumars, and Weaver had “man-to-man conversations” in which the Pelicans star assured them, “I’m not gonna let you down.”

He added that it “helped a lot” that they believe in him and are giving him a lot of responsibilities with the Pelicans.

Williamson also didn’t hesitate to send a blunt message to critics, suggesting they need to stay away when the Pelicans start to succeed again.

“I love the composition of this team,” he said, admitting he used to “keep tabs” on the criticism aimed at the Pelicans.

“That’s in the past for me. How do I feel on it now? Whatever you said at that certain time, when the time comes, when we are in a certain position, you just gotta stay over there. There’s no coming over here. Don’t want validation,” he said.

As mentioned, Williamson got shut down as of March 19 last season due to a back bone bruise. However, his new look and enthusiastic attitude towards a fresh season have many people optimistic that he’ll be healthy on the court for the preseason and the regular season.

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