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The New Orleans Pelicans are not concerned about Zion Williamson's weight factoring into his recent meniscus injury, one that will have the No. 1 overall pick miss six-to-eight weeks. Williamson was listed at 285 pounds in his lone year of college at Duke, and while his newly adjusted weight has yet to be revealed, those in the organization do not believe it will be an issue moving forward, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic.
There's an argument to be made against this, considering the more weight a joint (the knee) has to carry, the more torque (twisting forced) required to run, jump, change directions, and dive for loose balls. These are all common actions on the basketball court that can put strain on the meniscus.
Recently measured at 6-foot-6, Zion's weight of 285 pegs him as the second-heaviest player next to Boban Marjanovic, who weighs a reasonable 290 pounds at a towering 7-foot-4.
However the Pelicans and just about everyone in contention to get him with the No. 1 pick knew that Williamson was a freak athlete with a big frame, which could have its repercussions during an 82-game season.
New Orleans also hinted that the medical staff would use the time of his recovery to get him fit for the long run:
“Williamson’s rehabilitation could mean less weight-lifting and more strategic planning, but the Pelicans plan to figure out the best method while letting Zion be Zion, and that does not include managing his weight,” wrote Charania.
Part of what makes Williamson unique is his imposing linebacker-like frame, but ultimately the Pelicans will be forced to figure out what the best way is to make him available to take the court as often as possible.
