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last wk.

Slimmer Zion Williamson Dazzles in Australia as Pelicans Back a Healthier Season

His revamped regimen under trainer Daniel Bove has renewed confidence about fitness entering preseason.

Sep 23, 2025; Metairie, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (1) takes part in media day at Ochsner Sports Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Hinton-Imagn Images
Sep 23, 2025; Metairie, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (1) poses during media day at Ochsner Sports Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Hinton-Imagn Images
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Overview

  • During an open practice on the Pelicans’ Australia trip, Williamson showed a skinnier frame and threw down an effortless 360 dunk ahead of exhibitions at Rod Laver Arena against Melbourne United and South East Melbourne Phoenix.
  • Williamson arrived at media day noticeably leaner and said he "feels good," crediting a diversified offseason program with Daniel Bove that added boxing and football-style drills to target stamina and stability.
  • After being limited to 30 games last season due to a November hamstring strain and a March lower-back bone contusion, he still averaged 24.6 points, 7.2 rebounds, 5.3 assists and 1.2 steals.
  • Career context remains the concern: he has appeared in 214 games since 2019 but has delivered elite efficiency when available.
  • The front office chose to keep him as its cornerstone and, per reporting, his contract ties portions of pay to periodic weigh-ins and games-played benchmarks, while veteran additions such as Kevon Looney and Jordan Poole are viewed as support pieces.