Pelicans star forward Zion Williamson, who won’t play in the play-in tournament and is considered unlikely to be available in the first round if the team makes it that far, admits that his hamstring issue is more mental than physical at the moment, according to Christian Clark of the New Orleans Times-Picayune.
“I can pretty much do everything,” said Williamson, who hasn’t suited up for the Pelicans since Jan. 2. “It’s just a matter of the level that I was playing at before my hamstring. I’m just a competitor. I don’t want to go out there and be in my own head and affect the team. I can just be on the sidelines supporting them more. I know myself. If I was to go out there, I would be in my head a lot. I would hesitate on certain moves. And that could affect the game.”
We have more from the Southwest Division:
- The Pelicans have added Larry Nance Jr. to the injury report for their play-in game against the Thunder on Wednesday, according to a team press release. The forward is listed as questionable due to left ankle soreness. He’s averaging 6.8 points and 5.4 rebounds this season.
- Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison vows that the team won’t miss the postseason next season, Callie Caplan of the Dallas Morning News tweets. “They (the fans) should be frustrated. I’m frustrated. This year was unacceptable. … We’re going to evaluate everything, and we’re not going to be in this situation again.”
- Kenneth Lofton Jr.‘s four-year contract with the Grizzlies is guaranteed for next season and is worth a total of $6,927,014, but it’s non-guaranteed for 2024/25 and includes a team option in 2025/26, Hoops Rumors has learned. He received a $1MM salary for 2022/23, which was well above his prorated minimum. The remaining three years are at the minimum salary. Lofton had his two-way contract converted over the weekend.
Yikes! Is Zion more Fultz or Simmons?
Fultz had an actual injury
Unacceptable and yet no one is held accountable….
The fact he has vowed means nothing
“I’m a competitor…..”
But he refuses to compete.
This idiot is basically saying he’s healthy and can do everything but doesn’t want to play basketball. I bet he’s taking that paycheck though. I know basketball players are soft by nature, but this guys on another level. He’s 10 ply toilet tissue.
And will demand a trade within the next 2 years I’m sure
News flash NO fans , this guy will NEVER EVER lead you anywhere , cept to the best local buffet!!!
McCullom called his arse out and it was awesome and FULLY deserved.
I wish I could sit on my fat rear end and collect money did NOT earn!!!!
It sure was easier in college wasn’t Zion!!!!!! Now that you play with the big boys you can’t take the heat!!!
I thought Simmons was the bozo of the year ( well , last 3 years running ) but Zion is gaining ground fast!!!
Some choices don’t have consequences. At least for pro athletes