NBA star looks unrecognisable after showing off incredible body transformation

New Orleans Pelicans sensation Zion Williamson has left supporters speechless after unveiling his transformed physique at media day ahead of the 2025-26 NBA campaign. Williamson appeared to have shed significant weight prior to last season, though he managed just 30 appearances for the Pelicans following a left hamstring injury. New Orleans also imposed a one-match ban on Williamson after head coach Willie Green became exasperated with his approach.

Nevertheless, Williamson is eyeing a resurgent campaign and has approached off-season training with utmost dedication. "I haven't felt like this since college, high school," Williamson declared at media day. "Where I can walk in the gym and I feel good."

Williamson is embarking upon his seventh NBA campaign since being selected first overall by the Pelicans in 2019. The former Duke standout has managed merely 36 matches per season on average since joining the league, with various factors contributing to limited court time.

The 25-year-old has battled fitness setbacks and had his weight and conditioning questioned throughout his professional journey. However, following the Pelicans' appointment of Joe Dumars as executive vice president for basketball operations in April, Williamson seems to be approaching the upcoming season with greater commitment than previously.

Dumars insisted that Williamson has experienced a "great" off-season and has been holding him responsible for previous fitness concerns. Williamson's metamorphosis has captivated Pelicans colleague Trey Murphy III, who remarked he was "slimmer than I have ever seen him during the summertime."

"I like Joe. What you see is what you get," Williamson said of Dumars.

"He's going to hold me accountable, and as he holds me accountable, he's going to give me a lot of responsibilities as well.

"I'm excited for it and I look forward to it. I know he's going to hold me to a really high standard and if I slip up or anything, I know he's going to be right there to make sure I get right back on path."

Rather than taking Dumars' guidance personally, Williamson has used it as motivation for the season ahead. "It helped a lot that they believed in me," Williamson added.

Despite Williamson's transformation, the Pelicans aren't expected to be a threat next season. However, Williamson believes that Dumars has lifted the mood inside the facility and is keen to prove critics wrong.

"I love the composition of this team," Williamson added. "There was a time when I felt like Trey (Murphy), where I kept tabs on it, kept notes on it. But nah, that's in the past for me.

"How I feel on it now? Whatever you said at that certain time, when we are in a certain position, you just got to stay over there. There's no coming over here, don't want validation.

"You don't even have to waste your time and say, 'Them guys really did it.' I don't care. You just got to stay over there."

This article first appeared on Mirror US.