New Orleans Pelicans star forward Zion Williamson has not played in a game this season, sitting out while recovering from surgery on his right foot from the offseason.
Reports have been all over the place for Williamson this season. The Pelicans initially thought that he would be back before the season started, but he has had numerous setbacks with his recovery process. The latest report brings some clarity to Williamson’s situation, but for all the wrong reasons.
Williamson reportedly now may need a second surgery to repair his right foot, according to Pelicans beat writer Christian Clark.
Zion Williamson could require a second surgery on his right foot, per Christian Clark pic.twitter.com/eiJ1yk4xOR
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) February 16, 2022
Here are some reactions to the reports of the possibility of another surgery for Williamson and what it might mean for him and New Orleans.
Reading Zion Williamson needs now another surgery is becoming such a sad story…man I really hope he can get healthy to play again. That kind of athletic talent is once in a lifetime
— Troydan (@Troydan) February 16, 2022
Zion Williamson might need a second surgery on his foot. Sheesh.
— Trav ‘97 🇹🇹🇭🇹♒️🗽 (@travbryanmusic) February 16, 2022
And Ja Morant is tearing up the league … #draftmatters https://t.co/Yv5ySSHQDG
— Justin Stapleton (@KPRC2Justin) February 16, 2022
I have a crazy hot take, so please brace yourselves: I would really like to watch Zion Williamson play basketball again. https://t.co/UBN5oosVuA
— David Gardner (@byDavidGardner) February 16, 2022
If it is true and Williamson does require another surgery on his foot, he would almost certainly not be coming back to play for the Pelicans this year. While it’s not urgent for him to come back this year as New Orleans is sitting at 23-35 and not showing any signs of being serious playoff contenders, this is certainly not looking good for Williamson’s health in the future.
Another injury setback has to raise questions for the Pelicans on whether or not they made the right choice in the draft taking Williamson. Memphis Grizzlies star point guard Ja Morant has been excellent for the Grizzlies and was taken just one pick behind Williamson in the 2019 NBA Draft. Still, Zion broke out in his second year in the league last season, putting up an average of 27 points per game with over 7 rebounds per game.
There is no doubt how talented the former number one pick is, but availability is the best ability you can have in any sport. So far, he just has not been there for the Pelicans frequently enough to make it matter.
