Can Zion Williamson Come Back and Become an Elite Player Again?
By Edcel Panganiban September 25, 2025 14:04
Zion Williamson's NBA career has been a rollercoaster of jaw-dropping highlights and heartbreaking setbacks. The 25-year-old New Orleans Pelicans forward burst onto the scene as the No. 1 overall pick in 2019, dazzling with his unprecedented combination of power, speed, and finishing ability—earning All-Star nods in his first two full seasons. But chronic injuries, weight concerns, and inconsistent availability have derailed his trajectory, leading to just 214 games played out of 482 possible (44.4%) through the 2024-25 season. Heading into 2025-26, a slimmer, more motivated Williamson has reignited hope: Can he finally sustain elite production and lead the Pelicans to contention? The answer hinges on health, discipline, and execution—but the signs are promising for a resurgence.
The Rise: A Phenom's Early Promise
Williamson's entry into the league was nothing short of revolutionary. At Duke in 2018-19, the 6-foot-6, 285-pound freshman averaged 22.6 points, 8.9 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks per game, earning National Player of the Year honors before the shoe-exploding viral moment against North Carolina cemented his legend. Drafted first by the Pelicans, he lived up to the hype immediately: In his 2019-20 rookie season, he averaged 22.5 points and 7.0 rebounds on 58.3% shooting in just 19 games. By 2020-21, he exploded for 27.0 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 3.7 assists over 61 games, earning All-Star status and All-Rookie First Team acclaim.
His sophomore All-Star campaign in 2021-22 (27.0 PPG again) showcased "Point Zion"—a playmaking forward who could dominate in transition and the half-court. When healthy, he's been elite: a 60% true shooting efficiency, top-tier rim pressure (averaging 1.2 points per possession on drives), and defensive versatility that flashed All-Defensive potential. Analysts like Bill Simmons have compared him to a modern Chris Webber, praising his two-way wrecking ball style. Yet, the "if healthy" caveat has loomed large, turning potential MVPs into what-ifs.
The Fall: Injuries and the Weight of Expectations
No discussion of Zion's elite potential ignores the injury bug. A fractured right foot sidelined him for his entire rookie year after 29 games. Hamstring strains, knee issues, and back problems followed, culminating in a disastrous 2024-25 where he played only 30 games (averaging 24.6 PPG, 7.2 RPG, 5.3 APG) before hamstring and back ailments ended his season early. The Pelicans finished 21-61, missing playoffs amid a roster decimated by absences, including Dejounte Murray's Achilles tear.
Critics point to his listed 284-pound frame adding joint stress, with reports of him exceeding 280 pounds exacerbating soft-tissue injuries. Professionalism lapses—like a one-game suspension for tardiness in January 2025—fueled doubts about his commitment. As Yahoo Sports noted, this is a "make-or-break year" with new executive Joe Dumars demanding accountability. Without durability, Zion risks joining the ranks of injured stars like Brandon Roy or Penny Hardaway, whose careers were cut short.
| Season | Games Played | PPG | RPG | APG | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019-20 | 29 | 22.5 | 7.0 | 2.7 | Foot fracture ends season |
| 2020-21 | 61 | 27.0 | 7.2 | 3.7 | All-Star; knee soreness |
| 2021-22 | 27 | 27.0 | 6.3 | 4.1 | Foot surgery |
| 2022-23 | 29 | 26.0 | 6.0 | 4.6 | Hamstring |
| 2023-24 | 70 | 22.9 | 8.9 | 5.0 | Healthiest year; All-Star |
| 2024-25 | 30 | 24.6 | 7.2 | 5.3 | Hamstring/back injuries |
Data compiled from NBA.com and ESPN stats.
The Comeback Blueprint: Transformation and Mindset Shift
The 2025 offseason could be Zion's turning point. At media day on September 23, 2025, a visibly leaner Williamson (estimated 260 pounds, down 20-25 from last season) declared he feels "better than I have since high school or Duke," crediting a revamped regimen under trainer Daniel Bove and former WNBA star Teresa Weatherspoon. Boxing for agility, football-inspired drills for explosiveness, and a nutrient-focused diet (lean proteins, complex carbs, anti-inflammatories) aimed to build sustainability without sacrificing power.
Teammate Trey Murphy III called him "slimmer than I've ever seen," while coach Willie Green praised his offseason diligence. Dumars, echoing the "Bad Boys" ethos, has instilled a no-excuses culture, with Williamson embracing leadership: "Whatever my team needs... Greatness is every day." Early 2025 glimpses showed defensive growth—steals, blocks, and quick reads—hinting at two-way elite status. With additions like Jordan Poole and a returning Murray, the Pelicans' roster complements Zion's interior dominance, potentially unlocking a top-4 Western Conference seed.
Fans and analysts are buzzing: X posts hail him as an "elite star" at 25, with one noting only 10 historical players averaged 27+ PPG in their first six seasons despite injuries. If he plays 60+ games, projections peg him at 26-28 PPG with All-NBA upside.
The Verdict: Yes, But Health Is the Key
Zion Williamson can absolutely return to elite status—and elevate the Pelicans in the process. His talent is generational: No one matches his blend of size, bounce, and skill. The 2023-24 season (70 games, All-Star) proved it's possible, and this transformation addresses past pitfalls. As Athlon Sports put it, a healthy Zion makes New Orleans "formidable," potentially competing for MVPs at age 25.
That said, risks remain: Hamstrings don't discriminate, and one tweak could reset the clock. The Pelicans' medical team is prioritizing load management, but Zion must prove consistency beyond media day hype. If he stays available, expect a top-10 player resurgence—defensive versatility, 25+ PPG efficiency, and playoff heroics. The NBA needs Zion at his best; 2025-26 could be the year he delivers.
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