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The New Orleans Pelicans star Zion Williamson is known for his explosive athleticism and unparalleled energy on the court. He has been a beacon of hope for the franchise ever since they drafted him as a #1 draft pick. However, the journey has not been smooth for the power forward. A series of injuries and personal challenges have cast a shadow over his promising career.?

The narrative surrounding Williamson has often been dominated by his physical health, with critics pointing to his weight as a potential factor in his recurring injuries. But in a recent candid interview, the young star opened up about the mental toll of these challenges, revealing a side of his struggle that often goes unnoticed.?

The pain of watching from the sidelines

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Adding to his frustration, the latest hamstring strain injury has sidelined Williamson from the team. Perhaps the most agonizing aspect for him is being forced to watch his teammates battle on the court without his presence. The searing fence-sitting comes when the star is already facing flak over his personal issues.?

USA Today via Reuters

However, in a recent?conversation at Gil’s Arena, Williamson shared his perspective on the criticism he’s faced regarding his injury history.

The interviewer puts forth briefly, ?Past situation has not been the way its been, the injuries and the accumulation on top of that I really commend on you dealing with that mentally, not letting that affect you.?

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While feeling genuine anguish for not being able to play, Williamson said, “I just like hooping, I am just a hooper.?Man, you gotta understand, I am a hooper so when I am sitting watching my teammates from the sidelines and certain games they lose. I am like man, I know if I was there I could change the outcome of this so. Whether people wanna believe it or not, it hurt me more than anything, I just wanna hoop,”?

Piled up personal and professional setbacks?

Zion’s professional life has been fraught with so many setbacks. A series of injuries punctuated his NBA career. These recurrent fitness issues limited his participation to just 114 games out of a possible 308 since his debut.?

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Off the court, Williamson’s personal life has also been under constant scrutiny. Recent reports and linked scandals involving Moriah Mills have added another layer of complexity to his already challenging situation.?

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Despite the hurdles, his love for the game shines through in his words. As he navigates the challenges in his personal and professional life, the road ahead may be tough, but Zion Williamson is ready to face it head-on, one hoop at a time.