After injuries, Zion Williamson rediscovers the joy of free play

His smile is bright, at least as bright as his morals. Zion Williamson actually just kept going record streak of 35 consecutive gamesheld back by a minor wrist scare that meant he was spared against the Clippers this weekend. Nothing serious, the interior is expected to return tonight to face the Lakers.

Broadcasting the ESPN set during this short break, Zion Williamson expressed his delight at finally being able to resume. Even if he is paradoxically showing his worst statistics of his career, his physical and mental health is in good shape, and that is what is most important in this transitional season.

It’s even a real relief for New Orleans playerwho reflected on the difficult times that accompanied his early NBA career, marked by numerous injuries and controversies.

“The hardest thing for me was when I missed the third year because of a broken foot. I suffered a lot of criticism about my weight, my attitude towards the game… All this time, when I saw the doctor, he told me: ‘We will operate, but if it doesn’t work, we really don’t know what we can do next'”, he stated. “Meanwhile, people were talking… Everyone’s entitled to their opinion, that’s how it is. I was in Portland rehabbing, not knowing if my leg was going to heal, and it was frustrating. Very frustrating. I was really depressed because I just wanted to play basketball, play the game I love. But every time I saw that my phone was on, the reviews were negative. It was a deal, but it turned out to be a blessing from God.

Released and determined to get back on top with New Orleans

The player never gave up, and consecutive negative experiences had the merit of reaching this season, where he can have fun on the field again. As he announced this summer before the restart, the former Duke gem feels in the best shape of his career, ready to play his best basketball.

“When I said that, I wasn’t just talking from an athletic standpoint, but rather the fact that I knew I could go out there and play 30 minutes a night without having to worry about a potential injury. I’m very mobile and … I just feel free.”he added. “I’m having a lot of fun right now, just being able to wake up and think that I can play freely in the NBA and not have to worry about injuries and stuff. My coaches and I have been working on that a lot.”

His injuries, unfortunately, epitomized the latest nightmare season for the Pelicans at this point. Sports disappointments forced the “front office” to start the reconstruction process. Ambitions have been dampened in the short term, with Brandon Ingram and CJ McCollum gone.

It’s up to Zion Williamson to prove he can be the cornerstone of Louisiana’s franchise project.

“I have absolute confidence in myself. Now it’s about going out there and making it happen.”he continued. “New Orleans is like home. I know people hear rumors and different things, but I feel at home here. During the off-season, I stay in New Orleans and wander around the city, learning more about the culture, making a lot of friends here. And so I want to do everything I can to help New Orleans win.”

How to read statistics? MJ = matches played; Min = Minute; Shots = Shots Successful / Shots Attempted; 3 points = 3 points / attempt 3 points; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; Off = offensive rebound; Def=defensive jump; Tot = Total number of jumps; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal mistakes; Int = intercepts; Bp = lost balls; Ct: Against; Points = Points.