Lost weight, lost weight! Welcome back! This is the NBA top overall pick.

Hello, is this my chubby tiger?

Slimmed down, completely slimmed down; the long-awaited weight loss has finally succeeded.

The weight loss results are clearly visible, and the change in his face can’t be faked.

After the successful weight loss, it will obviously be very effective in relieving Zion’s injury problems. In the past six seasons, he has only played 214 regular-season games, averaging roughly 36 games per season, and he still remains a playoff virgin.

The public is full of expectations for Zion in the new season, and upon hearing the news of his successful weight loss,his MVP odds have surged from 500/1 to 250/1, currently ranking tenth in the league.Last season, this guy contributed 24.6 points, 7.2 rebounds, 5.3 assists, and 1.2 steals in just 28.6 minutes per game, with a shooting percentage of 56.7%.

Zion is one of the most dominant interior players in the league, ranking among the top in inside scoring per game. If he can expand his skill set, such as improving his mid-to-long range shooting, an MVP might truly be within reach. As the 2019 top draft pick, he still has a long way to go before fulfilling the high expectations placed on him.

By the way, Zion’s current contract still has three seasons left, totaling $126 million, with the last two seasons’ $87 million being non-guaranteed. Notably, his contract includes clauses related to weight, body fat percentage, and attendance; meeting all these could convert the deal into a guaranteed contract...

In short, even if not for honor, he must push himself to become a muscular powerhouse for the money. The Pelicans’ management has worked hard, and thankfully, results are showing.

Zion’s main teammates for the new season include old friends Murphy, Murray, and Jones, along with new additions like Poole, 2025 first-round seventh pick Fears, and 2025 first-round thirteenth pick Quinn. As long as the Pelicans keep their roster healthy and avoid last season’s dreadful injury epidemic, they remain a formidable team with a good chance to compete for a play-in spot.

Unfortunately, the Pelicans are in the fierce Western Conference, where Thunder, Rockets, Lakers, Nuggets, Clippers, Timberwolves, Warriors, and Mavericks are no pushovers. If they were in the much weaker Eastern Conference, they might have made the playoffs directly next year. But there are no ifs—since there’s no turning back, they must press forward courageously.