New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson is ready to resume his rise to NBA superstar status.
“I feel like I’m at my best right now,” the 22-year-old told reporters at the team’s media day on Monday. “I feel like I’m moving faster, jumping higher. I feel great.”
The No. 1 overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft and an All-Star in his second season in 2020-21, Williamson missed all of last season with a broken right foot.
The Pelicans open training camp on Tuesday. Their first preseason game is Oct. 4 against the Chicago Bulls and they open the regular season against the host Brooklyn Nets on Oct. 19.
Williamson signed a five-year extension this summer worth at least $193 million. He can earn up to $231 million via incentives that include winning MVP or Defensive Player of the Year honors and making the All-NBA team.
The former Duke star has been productive when healthy, averaging 25.7 points and 7.0 rebounds while shooting 60.4 percent from the field in 85 career games.
Williamson resumed basketball activities on May 26 and will enter training camp fully healthy.
The Pelicans made the playoffs without him as Brandon Ingram and CJ McCollum led the way. New Orleans also has promising young players such as Herb Jones and Jose Alvarado.
–Field Level Media
St. John’s coach Rick Pitino said he has zero interest in becoming head coach of the New York Knicks again. “Absolutely not,” Pitino said during a broadcast of Wednesday’s game…
The Phoenix Mercury and Golden State Valkyries get a reprieve from the league’s elite when they meet in Phoenix on Thursday. Each lost to the 8-0 Minnesota Lynx the last…
The New York Liberty look to remain unbeaten and beat the Washington Mystics for the second time this season when the two teams face off Thursday in D.C. The Liberty…
Mercury, Valkyries relieved to be facing one another
Unbeaten Liberty eye another win over Mystics
Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton enjoys fuel provided by doubters
Reports: League reviewed, not investigating complaint against Storm assistant