#Zion Williamson looks ripped ahead of Pelicans’ NBA 2020 restart

Zion Williamson is doing all he can to ensure we see the best of him when the NBA restarts its season.

The Pelicans posted a picture of a slimmed-down and ripped version of their rookie big man to Twitter on Monday as New Orleans prepares to reopen its season against the Jazz on July 30. The former Duke star’s conditioning and overall fitness had come into question during the NBA summer league and again at the start of the season after working his way back from a knee injury. Williamson, who is listed at 6-foot-6, 285 pounds, appears to have taken getting into shape – with the help of a family member – seriously after the league shut down in March because of the coronavirus pandemic.

“It was very tough [to stay in shape], because even now you still don’t know what’s fully going on with that situation,” Williamson said during a Zoom call on Thursday. “But me and my stepdad just found different ways to stay in condition, on-court, off-court, just wherever we could find it.”

He said he was on the court with his stepdad every day and laughed when asked where he was working out. Williamson, who turns 20 on Monday, could not do so at the Pelicans facility at the time because of NBA guidelines.

“I can’t tell you all my secrets, man,” said Williamson, who was averaging 23.6 points and 6.8 rebounds over 19 games.

His improved physique certainly impressed his teammates, as well as his game.

“I think body-wise, he looks amazing,” forward Josh Hart said. “He looks good. His shot looks better than it has in a while. He’s been putting the work in, and that’s great to see.”

The Pelicans go to the NBA restart in Orlando with the chance to challenge the Grizzlies or the No. 8 seed in the West along with Portland, Sacramento and San Antonio.