Zion Williamson moving past injuries, inhibitions in Year 2

NEW ORLEANS » Zion Williamson expects to unleash a version of himself that is healthier, more demonstrative and less restrained in his second NBA season with the New Orleans Pelicans.

“Year 1 was a lot mentally and physically for me, but I needed that experience,” Williamson said Wednesday as the Pelicans underwent preparations for training camp. “It showed me a lot and now I’m getting ready for Year 2.

“There’s a lot of my game I wasn’t able to showcase last year, due to like, just trying to fit in with the team, find my place, and just trying not to be the rookie to mess up,” Williamson added.

There were also injuries, along with concerns about his weight and conditioning that led to a protracted rehabilitation from arthroscopic knee surgery just before the start of the season — and minute restrictions after he made his long-awaited debut in the 44th game of the 2019-20 regular season.

St ill, t he 6 -fo ot - 6, 284-pound Williamson made impressions with both his consistent production and more than a few highlight-reel finishes at the rim. 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. “But I think this year I have a better understanding of it and will be living in the moment. Because I feel like when I live in the moment, I can cherish it a lot more, and that allows me to have fun and be who I am.”

Williamson said he now feels “great” physically after working out primarily under the direction of his stepfather this offseason and does not expect to be under any restrictions.