Zion Williamson likens career to popular anime: 'That’s what Naruto did, and that’s what I’m going to do'

Zion Williamson is a bit of an NBA enigma, isn't he?

On one hand, he has the physical tools and basketball chops to be an all-time great. On the other, there have been questions about whether or not he can stay healthy throughout the course of his career.

Also, does he have the passion to be an all-time great? Does he love the NBA grind? The heartbeat that got the likes of Kobe and Michael up out of bed well before the sun came up every morning.

He'll have to answer those questions over the next few seasons (it's worth noting the Pelicans certainly believe in him), but there is no doubting Williamson's passion and love for anime, and specifically, Naruto.

Williamson is so into Naruto, in fact, that he likens the fictional and animated journey of a young kid who wanted to become a great ninja, to his own journey as an NBA player.

"From what I’ve been through to get to where I am and what I go through to this day,” Williamson explained, via GQ, “Naruto has always been there and always will be.”

The topic of Naruto was brought up as Williamson took part in a Comic-con panel. He was at the event promoting a sneaker collaboration, but he was also there as a fan. So much of a fan that he's even used the anime for motivation over the past year as he struggled through an injury and subsequent rehabilitation.

It has been a year of trials, tribulation, and doubters for Williamson, but he's taken it in stride, much like an elite ninja would.

"No matter what the world is saying, I have to remember that I am who I am and stay true to that," he said. "That’s what Naruto did, and that’s what I’m going to do.”