In the quarantined style of life to which many have had to adapt during the coronavirus pandemic, Williamson says, "With a goal, there's a way. So hoop."
Williamson made the comments on the NBA's Twitter feed in an interview with TNT's Ernie Johnson. Williamson talked about staying in shape in case the NBA takes up the season and added that it wouldn't take him long to be ready to play.
"Honestly, I'm ready now," Williamson said. "I've been staying in shape, working on myself and just staying ready. You never know when the time is going to come when they're going to say, 'All right, let's resume.' I don't want to have to look around at my teammates and say, 'Sorry, guys, I'm not ready.' So I'm staying ready for my teammates."
Williamson stated he has a basketball goal at his house in New Orleans -- where he has stayed throughout the quarantine -- and has gotten his shots up to stay ready.
The Pelicans have sent workout equipment to players' houses, and they are participating in Zoom workouts with the team's strength and conditioning staff.
Williamson has played in only 19 matches this season because of a meniscus injury that prevented him from making his NBA debut until Jan. 22. He said he looks at the stoppage of the season from two different perspectives.
When the season was suspended, the Pelicans were 3½ games back of the eighth spot in the Western Conference playoffs. Williamson played a key role in the Pelicans' -- who were once 7-23 -- getting back into the playoff race.
Williamson and Morant were AAU teammates for a year and, as South Carolina natives, are still close. Williamson said he'd be happy for Morant to win, but his competitive side is still shining through.
"He's worked for that. He's earned that. I give respect when it's due. I always do," Williamson said. "But, you know, as a competitor, I'm just a competitor. I want to win at everything. I'm not going to say I don't want to win. I want to win at everything. My goal was if I could rally my team into the playoffs, hopefully I could've made a run for it. But it's just God's plan at this point. If Ja wins it, I'll be happy for Ja. He's my brother."
