“They adopted me”: Zion Williamson gets candid on his kind gesture of hosting free camp for 200 Spartanburg kids

New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson returned to his hometown of Spartanburg, South Carolina, to give back to the community. He hosted a free basketball camp for over 200 kids at the Upward Stars Center on Saturday.

It was his first visit in two years, and he wanted to show his respect for the place where he spent his teenage years as a high school student and athlete, as he said:

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"Because this is where the world got to meet Zion. The world met Zion my junior year, but the city of Spartanburg met Zion my ninth-grade year. They embraced me, they adopted me in a sense. It’s only right that I show love right back and give back to the community.” [H/T Fox Carolina]

Williamson had a strong season with the Pelicans, averaging 22.9 points, 5.8 rebounds and 5.0 assists. However, he failed to lead his team into a deep playoff run, as the Oklahoma City Thunder easily swept his team in the first round.

Zion Williamson's physique reportedly transformed ahead of the upcoming season

The New Orleans Pelicans drafted Williamson in 2019 with the hope that he would help build a championship-winning squad. However, over the past five years, injuries have curbed his ability to meet those expectations. Last season, he offered renewed hope by playing the most games since his debut, missing only 12.

Moreover, photos of Williamson surfaced online, showing the transformation in his physique. With a height of 6-foot-6 and weight previously listed at 284 pounds, it was reported by NBA writer Dustin Garza on Aug. 18 that Williamson has lost 30 pounds.

Williamson was previously criticized for his weight and conditioning, but now it looks like he has taken the words into account and proven the naysayers wrong.

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