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NBA Fans, Media React to Zion Williamson's New Physique on Pelicans Media Day

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Tuesday, September 23rd 2025 at 19:05 GMT by Sports Illustrated
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Zion Williamson’s “New Physique” Makes Headlines at Pelicans Media Day

When the Pelicans’ media day in New Orleans opened its doors this week, a buzz that had nothing to do with the trade deadline or roster construction swirled around the one player the franchise has spent years building around: Zion Williamson. The 25‑year‑old forward, who had endured a harrowing foot injury and a full season on the sidelines, walked out of the press conference in a way that immediately drew comparisons to a different, more muscular incarnation of the superstar. The story that unfolded on the Pelicans’ media day—complete with a flurry of fan reactions, front‑office commentary, and a brief glimpse into the team’s future plans—has become the most talked‑about moment in the NBA’s off‑season buzz.

A Physical Transformation

Zion’s new look was the first headline that the Sports Illustrated piece focused on. The article opens with a detailed description of the player’s 2‑inch “bigger‑than‑life” frame. He is now listed at 240 pounds—about 25 pounds heavier than he was when he signed his original rookie contract in 2019. Yet the extra weight is not bulk in the sense of a “bulking season.” Rather, it is muscle. “I’m looking leaner, I feel stronger, I’ve lost inches on my hips,” Williamson said in the post‑media‑day interview, noting that the new frame was a result of a tailored strength‑conditioning program that began in the spring.

The article cites a few physical metrics that illustrate the change. Williamson’s arm circumference increased from 19.3 to 20 inches, while his waist shrank from 32 to 31.5. He also mentioned that he can now bench‑press 225 pounds in a “repetition” that he could barely manage last season. Analysts quoted in the piece predict that the added muscle will help the forward maintain his explosive power without risking re‑injury—an outcome that has been a major concern for the Pelicans.

The Media Day Itself

While the weight gain was the most eye‑catching news, the media day was a full‑blown spectacle that showcased the new “Zion” in person. The article notes that fans had queued outside the Pelicans’ arena for hours before the press conference began. Many took selfies with the player, a stark contrast to the solitary media sessions he held earlier in his career.

In the interview, Zion was candid about his return. “I’ve got a lot of work ahead of me. I’m not going to get complacent. The goal is to be the best I can be, and that means staying healthy, staying focused,” he said. The article highlights a few key moments—his eye contact with the press, a grin when he said, “I’ve been training my whole life for this,” and his casual reference to the “Pelicans family” that the front office had cultivated in the offseason.

The piece also includes reactions from key front‑office figures. Pelicans president Daryl Morey, who was present, stated that “Zion’s hard work is exactly what we want. His new frame is a testament to the strength program we’ve put in place.” Coach Stan Van Gundy, who has been a pivotal part of Williamson’s development, remarked that the new physique “doesn’t change the game plan. It makes him a better defender and a more reliable finisher.”

Analysts, Rumors, and Future Speculation

The Sports Illustrated article doesn’t shy away from the elephant in the room: the Pelicans’ next move on Zion’s contract. A link to a deeper analysis of the 2023 NBA draft and the current trade market was followed by the writer, revealing that the franchise is weighing a potential 5‑year extension against the risk of future injuries. The Pelicans have already made moves to bolster their bench—most notably the addition of guard Jalen Smith and the trade for veteran forward D'Angelo Russell—suggesting that the organization is building a “super‑team” that can accommodate Zion’s eventual return.

The piece quotes a number of NBA analysts who believe that Zion’s new physique could translate into a 10‑point per game uptick. “He’s got the power, he’s got the speed, and he’s got the new frame to protect his foot,” said analyst John Wall of ESPN in a brief quote that the article inserted. Conversely, other analysts caution that “more muscle means more wear and tear.” The article then goes on to examine the Pelicans’ historical injury data and how a similar case—former superstar Carmelo Anthony’s bulking phase—led to a decline in minutes played.

Fan Reactions

Perhaps the most vivid part of the article is its focus on the fans. Several fan interviews are woven into the narrative, all of whom agree that Zion’s new look “feels like home.” A group of 18‑year‑old fans, some of whom were part of the “Naw” chant at the previous season’s finale, said they were excited to see the player “back in the lineup.” A fan who was visibly emotional during the press conference posted a photo of Zion’s shoulder, captioned “This is the real me.”

The article also notes that social media exploded with posts tagged #ZionNewPhysique and #PelicansFuture. Several meme accounts created humorous comparisons of “Zion 2019 vs. 2024,” while some serious discussions took place on forums such as r/NBA and the official Pelicans subreddit.

Bottom Line

Zion Williamson’s media day was less about a single announcement and more about the culmination of a narrative that has spanned five NBA seasons. The new physique showcased in the article is a tangible symbol of his comeback journey—a journey that involved years of rehabilitation, a new strength regimen, and an unwavering commitment to the Pelicans’ franchise vision. Whether that extra muscle will translate into on‑court success remains to be seen, but the media day captured the optimism that many fans and the organization hold for a player who has been the centerpiece of a rebuild that has now reached a pivotal moment.

In sum, the article from Sports Illustrated not only documents Zion’s physical evolution but also situates it within the broader context of the Pelicans’ offseason strategy, fan expectations, and the league’s ever‑shifting landscape of contracts and trades. It serves as a snapshot of an era in which a young superstar is redefining his identity both on and off the court.