Zion Williamson's media day comments should give Pelicans fans chills

The New Orleans Pelicans' media day just took place, and Zion Williamson may be in the best shape of his NBA career. When asked about how he felt heading into the season and his improved physique, Z made a chilling comment that fans won’t wanna miss.

“It feels good to feel good. I haven’t felt like this since college.”

Year in and year out, there is a cycle with Williamson where he enters training camp looking in incredible shape and by the time midseason comes around, he is either injured or not in game shape. However, something about this time feels different, not just from a physical appearance standpoint but also in the way the people around the organization have spoken about Williamson.

Trey Murphy III said that Williamson looks slimmer than he’s ever seen him, and head coach Willie Green said that he’s done a great job getting ready for this season.

For a team whose success hinges so much on Williamson's health, his improved fitness and the comments made about him suggest that this season could be New Orleans' best in years.

During his time at Duke University, Z was an athletic freak who was the perfect combination of both jump-out-of-the-gym athleticism and brute force. With Williamson saying he hasn’t been in this good of shape since college, he could be ready to turn back the clock and remind fans of why he was once the most hype prospect in basketball.

How far can a healthy Williamson take this team?

When looking at the Pelicans' roster construction, they appear to be deeper and more well-rounded than they have been over the last few seasons. They also seem to be healthier than they’ve been over the past couple of years heading into this season, with Herb Jones, Murphy III, and Williamson all in game shape.

So, with that, the question arises: if Williamson appears in more than 65 games for only the second time in his career, could the Pelicans be a real playoff team in the West? And the simple answer is yes.

Any team that features two NBA champions, a top-five defender in the league, a future All-Star, a former All-Star, and great bench depth can be a playoff team when their superstar plays. A healthy Zion Williamson is giving you at least 25 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 assists a night. Pair that with New Orleans' current roster, and I believe you are looking at a contender.

So if what we saw of Williamson and heard about him from his peers during Media Day is true, then the New Orleans Pelicans are about to be the NBA’s biggest surprise.