Zion Williamson adopts furry friend

Zion Williamson has adopted a dog and it’s a much-needed bit of lighthearted cuteness for New Orleans Pelicans fans mourning their team’s current losing streak

Number one draft pick Zion Williamson has yet to appear in a game for the New Orleans Pelicans this year, but he was able to bring some delight to animal-loving Pelicans fans yesterday with the news that he has adopted a dog.

Yesterday, Williamson posted two photos on his Instagram story with his new canine companion, who has been given Zion’s own nickname, Zanos.

https://twitter.com/PelicansNBA/status/1204910107064229888?s=20

While I’m not sure if this works for meniscus injuries, there has been some reporting and research that shows that dogs can potentially help humans heal. In an article from NPR, Rebecca Johnson, a nurse at the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine shows that there are studies showing that being around animals can increase one’s level of oxtyocin, which “helps us feel happy and trusting.”

Johnson goes on to say that “Oxytocin has some powerful effects for us in the body’s ability to be in a state of readiness to heal, and also to grow new cells, so it predisposes us to an environment in our own bodies where we can be healthier.”

Williamson was the Pelicans first draft pick in the 2019 NBA Draft following a phenomenal single season at Duke where he averaged 22 points and nearly 9 rebounds per game on an astounding 68 percent from the field.

While Zion looked great in the preseason, he has not yet been able to make his regular season debut. Almost two months ago, Williamson had surgery on his right meniscus and is still recovering from that procedure.

The Pelicans are being understandably cautious with Williamson and do not want to throw him into the proverbial fire too quickly and risk further injury, especially with the team already looking out of the playoff hunt.

While I doubt getting a dog will be a cure-all for Zion’s injury concerns, Pelicans fans are understandably eager for him to get back on the court soon and if him getting a dog makes that possibility even an iota more likely, that’s reason to rejoice. And hey, if nothing else, it’s really cute.