The New Orleans Pelicans are reportedly feeling positive about Zion Williamson’s conditioning following his return from a hamstring injury.

According to The Athletic’s William Guillory, “several of the Pelicans higher-ups have been very happy with Williamson’s work behind the scenes to improve his conditioning and performance on the court.”

Guillory’s report comes after Williamson said last week he felt that he felt faster and more agile since returning from the left hamstring strain that sidelined him for most of November and December, per NBA.com’s Jim Eichenhofer.

“I feel like I don’t have to exert as much energy to get to a certain speed,” Williamson said Jan. 30, per Eichenhofer. “I feel like my movements are swifter. I definitely see the difference.

Williamson returned from his 27-game absence on Jan. 7 but continued sitting out periodically, missing time due to an illness and a suspension while sitting out half of back-to-back sets.

He recently indicated he would be playing on consecutive days if he could, but had been instructed to limit his playing time by the Pelicans, per Eichenhofer.

Williamson has been productive when available for the Pelicans, averaging 23. 7 points since his return despite being held to under 27 minutes per game.

The final three seasons of Williamson’s contract are not currently guaranteed. Locking in the money remaining on his contract depends on him hitting both weigh-in checkpoints and games played minimums, per Mike Vorkunov of The Athletic.

Williamson’s NBA career has so far been shaped by injuries. He headed into the 2024-25 campaign having played just 184 games in his five seasons since being selected out of Duke with the No. 1 pick of the 2019 draft.

Maintaining conditioning will be key to the Pelicans’ hopes of turning the franchise around after what will likely be a missed postseason this spring.