Unhappy with NBA career, Zion Williamson’s new trainer is helping spark turnaround

Zion Williamson expressed dissatisfaction with his NBA career trajectory during the New Orleans Pelicans media day, acknowledging he is not where he wants to be. To revitalize his conditioning and longevity, Williamson hired performance coach Kris Chrisp during the 2025-26 season. Under Chrisp's guidance, Williamson restructured his home gym, overhauled his recovery routine, and trimmed his weight down to 271 pounds.

The partnership produced notable results last season, helping Williamson recover from an adductor injury in just two weeks and subsequently play 35 consecutive games. Chrisp has also taken on a public-facing role by sharing workout footage across social media. While past injuries keep skeptics cautious, Williamson and the Pelicans believe the new training routine has positioned him for sustained success.