NBA fans may see a different Zion Williamson on the court this season. At least a slimmer one, according to photographs uploaded on social media on Saturday.
Williamson was caught standing with youngsters at his basketball camp (free of charge) in Spartanburg,
South Carolina, and appeared noticeably leaner, however this could be due to the perspective of the photo.
Fans who were concerned that Williamson appeared too thin and lacked the power that made him a collegiate basketball sensation at Duke and the No.
1 choice in the 2019 NBA Draft may be reassured by other photographs and videos from the camp.
Williamson reportedly stated that he is at 281 pounds, which is less than he weighed at Duke (285), and plans to be 272 pounds when the NBA regular season begins.
Last season, the 6-foot-6 New Orleans Pelicans star was classified at 284 pounds, but many assumed he was overweight and out of shape, particularly after seeing him play in the NBA in-season tournament
TNT's Charles Barkley and Shaquille O'Neal, as well as ESPN's Stephen A. Smith, were particularly critical of Williamson's weight and conditioning following New Orleans' 133-89 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers.
Williamson shed more than 25 pounds after receiving public criticism, according to the New Orleans Times-Picayune.
He went on to play a career-high 70 games, averaging 22.9 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 5.0 assists throughout the season.