Is Zion Williamson ready to break out after a drama-free offseason?

Zion Williamson has spent the majority of his NBA offseasons recovering from injury and/or dealing with scrutiny of his weight and questions about his discipline.

Still, Williamson enjoyed a strong season for the New Orleans Pelicans in 2023-24, playing 70 games and averaging 22.9 points, 5.8 rebounds and five assists per game after being limited to 29 games in 2022-23.

Fast forward to Sunday, the Pelicans’ opening game of the preseason, and Williamson looked like a completely different player. He’s leaner, more defined and certainly more explosive.

The Pelicans star shot 8 of 11 from the field, with most of his shots coming at the rim. As he went downhill, defenders found it difficult to maintain contact as he used his elite strength and size to displace his man before making high-level attacks.

Speaking to the media after the game, head coach Willie Green praised the work Williamson put in over the summer.

“(Williamson) had a great camp and it’s a credit to the work he put in before he even came to camp,” Green said. “His fitness is at a high level and he can take over games at any time.” It was good to just put the ball in his hands and let him decide what he wanted to do. We know he can get to the free throw line, get to the rim and get to his teammates. It’s just a matter of guys playing off him, it’s pretty fun to watch that type of offense.”