Zion Williamson, star player for the New Orleans Pelicans, has reportedly put in more gym time this offseason than at any time in his professional basketball career. This is according to the team’s executive vice president, David Griffin.

According to Chrisitan Clark of Nola.com, “I can tell you Zion Williamson has been in our gym more than he has in his entire career in the offseason,” Griffin said. It’s unusual that he’s stayed in New Orleans during the offseason.

Since Williamson has only played 114 of a potential 308 regular-season games for the Pelicans since being selected first overall in the 2019 NBA Draft out of Duke, many have questioned his nutrition and dedication to basketball. Williamson appeared in 24 games as a rookie and 61 games the next year as a sophomore. The lefty then sat out his whole third year and made only 29 appearances in his final season.

In the 2023 NBA Draft, the Pelicans considered making a move to move up and take Scoot Henderson. Portland drafted Henderson and there were whispers that New Orleans might trade away Williamson to make room for him. However, no agreement was reached.

In July of 2022, Williamson and the Pelicans extended his designated rookie deal by five years and $194.3 million. During the Las Vegas Summer League, Griffin said on Sirus XM NBA Radio that the team’s rapport with Williamson is “as good as it’s ever been.”

Williamson assured Gilbert Arenas that he is not skipping games on purpose and has expressed a strong desire to go back into action. The Pelicans guard has been an NBA All-Star thrice and has career averages of 25.8 points, 7.0 boards, and 3.6 assists.

“I’m a hooper,” Williamson declared. Sometimes when I’m watching my team lose a game from the bench, I know that if I were playing, we would win. I’d like everyone to know that my only goal in life is to hoop. I long to be in the open air. No one likes to watch from the bench. That’s probably the main point I’m trying to make. Being a spectator is not an option for me. What, you think I’d want to sit over there in pаin, y’all? I don’t.”

When training camp begins, Williamson won’t have any injuries. It will be interesting to see what kind of game schedule he has for the 2023-24 season.