Pelicans forward Zion Williamson will be sidelined a minimum of three weeks due to a right hamstring strain, the team’s PR department tweets.
Medical imaging confirmed the injury that Williamson suffered during the second half of Monday’s game against Philadelphia. He’ll simply be reevaluated in three weeks, meaning he could be out longer than that. The Pelicans have 15 games remaining this month.
It’s obviously a significant blow for New Orleans, which has emerged as one of the Western Conference’s top contenders. The Pelicans have a 23-14 record, third-best in the West behind Denver and Memphis.
Williamson, who missed all of last season due to a foot injury, was well on his way to an All-Star season. He’s averaging 26.0 points, 7.0 rebounds and 4.6 assists in 33 minutes per game. He was signed to a five-year max extension in July despite playing in a combined 85 games in three seasons after being the top pick of the 2019 draft.
The Pelicans have been without Brandon Ingram since Nov. 25 due to a left great toe contusion. He’s listed as out once again for Wednesday’s game against Houston, the team tweets.
If Ingram can return soon, it would certainly soften the blow regarding Williamson’s latest ailment. Naji Marshall, Larry Nance Jr. (also out on Wednesday due to right shoulder soreness) and Jaxson Hayes could also absorb some of Williamson’s minutes.
And so it begins
Ends rather.
The Pels Kryptonite: injuries
I think it’s everyone’s kyrtonite now! Guys like Charles Oakley, AC Green and Bill Lambeer have to be disgusted by the current guys who seem to be made out of paper mache.
So, who had “Denver, Memphis and New Orleans leading the West” on their bingo card?
Almost everyone who watched basketball last year
But his weight isn’t an issue
Insert Zion weight comment here.
No thanks.
Those comments were dumb in the first place. Even at his worst shape he could walk into almost any gym in the world and be the strongest and most athletic person in there.
Unfortunately his body does not seem to be able to hold up to a full basketball season. But it’s not due to his weight, that’s silly.
Yup. What makes him so unique and special is also the thing that increases his risk of injury. Double-edged sword.
I’m a huge Zion fan but how can you say his weight is not an issue. I’m not saying that it is the definitive reason but the reality is the guy has played roughly 110 games across 3.5 seasons. He continually has lower body issues and we’ve all seen the pics where he was obviously overweight. I think there’s even a clause in his contract he has to maintain a certain weight.
Again, I’m a big fan of his as I think he’s one of the most talented and exciting players to watch but the guy simply can’t stay healthy thus far. It’s a shame bc he’s so explosive and fun to watch but it’s getting to the point now where something needs to change.
Yeah, also makes him susceptible to injury. Not many overweight superstars in the NBA.
Shaq wasn’t in prime shape during his lakers years. Jokic and Doncic are far from gym rats. Zion is more ripped than both those guys. All three were/are pretty durable.
And if you’ve seen Zion play, his athleticism isn’t a problem at all. If he’s your definition of out of shape and overweight, I’ll just have to strongly disagree.
All of your examples didn’t miss as many games as Zion. Try again
That was actually my point lol
Yeah, that’s his whole point. The three he named all played more consistently than Zion even though they were/are not in top shape either.
Charles Barkley was another one that came into the NBA at 300lbs and only missed 2 games over his first two seasons.