Overview
- Williamson said he hasn’t felt this good since college and credited a tailored plan with Pelicans trainer Daniel Bove that emphasized boxing and football‑field drills, with added work from Teresa Weatherspoon.
- Head coach Willie Green praised Williamson’s conditioning and focus, while Williamson said executive Joe Dumars will hold him to a high standard this season.
- Availability remains the central concern as Williamson has appeared in 214 of 472 possible games over six seasons, including just 30 last year after a hamstring setback.
- His 2022 max extension ties pay to weigh‑ins and games played, with later years non‑guaranteed unless benchmarks are met, giving New Orleans significant leverage if he falls short.
- Reaction was immediate, with former All‑Star Jeff Teague blasting Williamson’s remarks and multiple outlets casting 2025–26 as a prove‑it year, with some analysts even floating trade or future‑fit questions as speculation.