The New Orleans Pelicans have been without star forward Zion Williamson since he suffered a hamstring injury back in January. He was expected to return in February but suffered a setback which has continued to keep him out. Many fans are eager for him to return, but a negative update emerged on him on Wednesday.
When on the court this season, Williamson has been terrific as expected, averaging 26 points per game along with seven rebounds while shooting 60 percent from the field. The problem with Williamson has always been staying on the court, and in this case, getting back on the court.
ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski revealed on Wednesday that the Pelicans have said Williamson will remain out for “a minimum of two more weeks”.
Zion Williamson (hamstring) will miss a minimum of two more weeks, Pels say.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) March 8, 2023
Many around the NBA world took notice of this update by Wojnarowski and are certainly frustrated by it.
Dude, the Zion situation sucks so bad. He just can’t stay healthy. https://t.co/fGbgt3rlre
— Ky Carlin (@Ky_Carlin) March 8, 2023
Becoming an all-time what if guy… https://t.co/4wfCIV3ypU
— Offseason Chopz (@Pchopz_) March 8, 2023
Considering NO is about to fall into the lottery, my guess is we won't see Zion again https://t.co/3o5Jzksqnz
— Dan Greenberg (@StoolGreenie) March 8, 2023
really hate this for zion’s physical health and mental health, too. especially today after reading @MirinFader’s dope profile on greg oden. https://t.co/5OzV6w6tgM
— mike taddow (@MikeTaddow) March 8, 2023
Ja Morant will be back on the floor before Zion Williamson https://t.co/xZbclUJ3YE
— Joe Mullinax (@JoeMullinax) March 8, 2023
The Pelicans desperately need Zion Williamson to return quickly if they have hopes of making it into the NBA Play-in Tournament.
They are currently the 10th seed in the Western Conference at 31-34 on the year. A number of teams including the Oklahoma City Thunder, Portland Trail Blazers, and Utah Jazz are within a half-game behind them for that final play-in spot.
This diagnosis means that Williamson will at the very least miss the next seven games for the Pelicans. This is obviously concerning because they would very well drop out of the playoff picture altogether in that span of games.
[Adrian Wojnarowski on Twitter]
About Reice Shipley
Reice Shipley is a staff writer for Comeback Media that graduated from Ithaca College with a degree in Sports Media. He previously worked at Barrett Sports Media and is a fan of all things Syracuse sports.