"Barely recognize him" - NBA fans continue raving about Zion Williamson's physique as he poses next to Luka Doncic

Zion Williamson remains in the spotlight this offseason after his remarkable effort to stay in shape caught NBA fans' attention. A new video where he's posing next to Luka Doncic, Paolo Banchero and Jayson Tatum has further highlighted his weight loss. Williamson has generally had a bigger frame than his fellow Jordan Brand athletes.

However, in this clip, he seems closer to their conditioning, earning NBA fans' compliments again. Here's the video (via Overtime on X):

One fan wrote:

"Zion switch up is like that guy from the boys, barely recognize him."

Another compared him to Jaylen Brown, writing:

"Right he’s skinny some how got taller and has a full beard, he's like a Jaylen Brown prototype."

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According to Zion Williamson's stepfather, the Pelicans star weighs 281 lbs, four pounds less than he weighed at Duke. His goal is to be 272 lbs before the next season begins. Williamson's seemingly on track to do that, considering how he's looked in viral pics and videos.

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Zion Williamson could guarantee $7.8 million of his contract after weight loss

The upcoming season is crucial for Zion Williamson as he aims to get his contract over the next few years guaranteed. Because of his injuries and poor conditioning, Williamson's five-year rookie scale extension worth $197.2 million in 2022 wasn't fully guaranteed.

The Pelicans leveraged the contract in their favor to ensure they got the most out of their franchise centerpiece. According to The Athletic, to get 20% of his 2025-26 season salary guaranteed, Williamson has to pass all six of his weight-in checkpoints during the 2024-25 season.

Meanwhile, Williamson will have an additional 40% salary guaranteed if he plays 41 games and 60% if he plays 51. He has to play at least 61 games to guarantee the entire year's earnings.

As per the contract's conditions, Zion Williamson has to maintain a weight of less than 295 lbs, with his body fat monitored across the six checkpoints during the 2024-25 season.

Staying in shape will help him keep his weight and body fat percentage in check. It could also help him avoid non-contact injuries, which has led to his conditional contract and a rocky start to his NBA career.

The Pelicans have also faced the ripple effects of the same, failing to get past the first round of the playoffs in Williamson's absence in the two of the three years they made the playoffs since drafting the former Duke prospect.