Zion Williamson was headed toward the defining moment of his NBA career in April before another injury knocked him out of action, writes William Guillory of The Athletic. The Pelicans star had just scored his 40th point to complete an 18-point comeback and tie the Lakers late in their play-in game when he felt a jolt of pain in his left hamstring. Williamson’s season was over, and although New Orleans still made the playoffs, its first-round series ended with a four-game sweep.
Feeling he had failed the team and the city, Williamson embarked on an intense early-morning workout schedule for the offseason, according to Guillory. Since July, in a small gym near Dallas, he has embraced his motivation to become one of the game’s elite players. He and the organization are finally on the same page after years of reported division, Guillory adds.
“I want to be one of them ones. I’ve been talking about it and I’ve been making mistakes (along the way),” Williamson said. “That stuff can’t happen. It’s time to take every game personal.”
Another sign of Williamson’s commitment was his decision to take part in the team’s voluntary August workouts in California for the first time in his career. He hoped to create a stronger bond with his teammates while improving his game in the process.
“(I want to) learn from (Brandon Ingram). Learn from CJ (McCollum). Learn from guys who have been in the league longer than me. Paying attention to their professionalism,” Williamson said. “Not even being a good teammate, just being a good brother. So when you get on the court, your teammates believe in you. They trust your work, and they trust that you’ve got them.”
There’s more from the Southwest Division:
- Victor Wembanyama‘s progress after an offseason that included playing in the gold medal game at the Olympics will be the focus as the Spurs prepare to open camp, per Jeff McDonald of The San Antonio Express-News. “He’s bound to make a jump,” Julian Champagnie said. “He’s going to get stronger. He’s going to get better. He’s going to learn the game a little bit more. He’s only 20. I’m excited to see where he goes these next couple of years.” McDonald examines a few other pre-camp storylines, including the additions of veterans Chris Paul and Harrison Barnes, potential rotation changes with Devin Vassell still recovering from surgery and expectations for lottery pick Stephon Castle.
- Finding an experienced backup point guard should be a priority for the Grizzlies following the retirement of Derrick Rose, Damichael Cole and Jonah Dylan of The Commercial Appeal state in a training camp preview. Cole mentions unsigned free agents Markelle Fultz and Dennis Smith Jr. as possibilities.
- Former Rockets forward AJ Griffin confirmed that his sudden retirement from the NBA was a spiritual decision, BasketNews relays. “I feel like letting go of basketball is allowing me to go into full-time ministry and truly serve the Lord with all my heart, with all my time too, as well,” Griffin said in a video on his YouTube channel. “I’m just excited where that leads me.”
Hard to believe that entering his 6th NBA season, on his second contract and after countless injuries, Zion has now decided he’s going to “embark” on “early morning workouts”
Bro, what have you been doing?
Hard to deny the impact he has on the court when he is healthy and plays, but to me, broadcasting that you’re going on a diet or working out in the morning indicates how unserious this guy is about what it takes to be a top tier NBA basketball player.
Agreed. At best, he’s likely putting in as much work as many other NBA players are, which isn’t bad but if one feels the need to pat themselves on the back for that, they’ve already capped themselves.
Or maybe he really has matured to that extent. But the chances of that are low. Elite work ethic isn’t something you discover or can turn on or off. You either have it or you don’t.
Sorry, but Zion has said the same stuff about becoming a new person, (finally) getting into shape, etc, several times before. Nobody’s buying it.
For all the public commitments to fan and team, we know that Zion never put in the work. He refused to follow the advice he’s been given for years: get down to 250 lbs to have a chance at avoiding injury. That’s 25 lbs heavier than his current target of 275 lbs. And, he’s got to dramatically improve his flexibility and movement mechanics, but here, too, he’s been lazy.
Another year… Another Zion finally getting serious story…
These young pups get so much praise too early in their lives that they think they’ve proved themselves before even entering the league… So don’t have to work for it…
Good luck to Griff. People who use religion to hate and supress others are the reason I’m not religious, but there are true servants out there who do right and are kind folks…hoping AJ Griffin becomes one of the latter