Second thoughts
In Year 2, Williamson eager to move past injuries, inhibitions
In 24 games, he averaged 22.5 points and 6.3 rebounds per game on 58% shooting.
“Last year, so much happened and I feel like it all happened at once, and there were so many directions I had to look, and things I had to do, that I couldn’t live in the moment,” Williamson said. “This year I have a better understanding of it and will be living in the moment. NEW ORLEANS — Zion Williamson Because I feel like when I live in the expects to unleash a version of himself moment, I can cherish it a lot more, and that is healthier, more demonstrative that allows me to have fun and be who I and less restrained in his second NBAam.” season with the Pelicans. Williamson said he now feels “great”
“Year 1 was a lot mentally and physically after working out primarily physically for me, but I needed that under the direction of his stepfather this experience,” Williamson said Wednesoffseason and does not expect to be day as the Pelicans underwent preparaunder any restrictions. tions for training camp. “It showed me a “I’m looking forward to that very lot and now I’m getting ready for Year 2. much,” Williamson said. “No player
“There’s a lot of my game I wasn’t able wants restrictions. I’m hoping Year 2 is to showcase last year, due to like, just going to be lot different.” trying to fit in with the team, find my It will certainly be that. place, and just trying not to be the rookie For one, he’ll have a new coach in Stan to mess up,” Williamson added. Van Gundy, hired to fill the vacancy
There were also injuries, along with created when the Pelicans fired Alvin concerns about his weight and condiGentry. Williamson said he has spoken tioning that led to a protracted rehabiliwith Van Gundy and has gotten a “great” tation from arthroscopic knee surgery impression of him. Williamson even just before the start of the season – and compared him to his coach at Duke, minute restrictions after he made his Mike Krzyzewski. long-awaited debut in the 44th game of “He’s a great guy. He’s old school just the 2019-20 regular season. like my stepfather and just like Coach K.
Still, the 6-foot-6, 284-pound I feel like that’s going to be something Williamson made impressions with both that I’m going to easily relate with,” his consistent production and more than Williamson said. “I can see his love and a few highlight-reel finishes at the rim. passion for the game ... I love stuff like that.”
Williamson also will have a new front-court mate in 7-foot center Steven Adams, who was acquired from the Thunder in a trade, and shooting guard Eric Bledsoe, who was acquired from the Bucks in the same four-team deal that sent guard Jrue Holiday to Milwaukee.
Meanwhile, Williamson and another former Duke star, Brandon Ingram, are in position comprise the nucleus of the Pelicans for the next half decade or so. Ingram, a first-time All-Star last season who also was named the NBA’s Most Improved Player, recently signed a five-year extension worth about $158 million.
“I’m glad he’s going to stick around,” Williamson said. “Me and him have a great relationship and honestly we’re just excited to make some moves and try to win.”
When the subject turned to the nature of his offseason workouts or elements of his game on which he worked hardest to develop, Williamson largely deflected, saying, “I can’t go into too much detail because I just don’t like doing that.”
Apologetically, he said he’s keeping public comments about his goals vague.
“I’m looking forward to showing the world me — just being myself and going out there and having fun and showing my competitive nature and trying to win,” Williamson said. “I just want to show the world my love, passion and my competitive spirit.”