NBA Rumors: Leaner Zion Williamson 'Dropped 24 Pounds,' Showed Up At Pelicans Practice

The New Orleans Pelicans are happy to see a healthy Zion Williamson back on the court.

Williamson got the internet buzzing about his looming NBA return when he showed up to the Pelicans’ practice Friday. The former no. 1 draft pick came to the facility and did some light shooting drills with Pelicans assistant coach Teresa Weatherspoon.

The 21-year-old was all smiles as he reunited with his teammates after months of being sidelined due to injury. What’s even more interesting was that Williamson appears to have lost weight, based on the photos posted by the Pelicans’ official Twitter account.

During a discussion in a recent episode of “The Lowe Post” podcast, famed NBA author and media personality Bill Simmons said he was told Williamson has lost about “24 pounds” to date.

“I heard [Williamson] dropped 24 pounds,” Simmons said in an audio clip from the podcast. “A lot of pounds.”

Williamson’s weight gain while being sidelined has been a hot topic of discussion. He has yet to comment about the subject to this day.

The Pelicans, on the other hand, were happy to see Williamson back and healthy.

“It was good to see him," New Orleans head coach Willie Green told Christian Clark of Nola.com. "It was good to see Z getting his work in. Just continuing to build on the rehabilitation process. But it was great to see him today.”

Pelicans guard Devonte’ Graham shared the same view about his teammate’s return.

“It’s good for [Williamson],” Graham said. “I know he missed being here. Just being around your family, your brothers. It was a warm welcome when he came back. Just want to see him healthy. That’s all. [He’s] one of a kind, man. I definitely can’t wait for him to get back on the court.”

When asked if he thinks Williamson can immediately make an impact now that the team is fighting for a spot in the NBA play-in tournament, Graham quipped, “Everybody knows the answer to that one.”

Williamson has only played a total of 85 games in his first three seasons in the league. He reached his career-best in all categories last season, posting averages of 27 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 3.7 assists while shooting 61.1% from the floor.

New Orleans will be hoping to have Williamson and newcomer CJ McCollum gel together inside the court when the former finally makes his return.