The New Orleans Pelicans just announced that forward Zion Williamson will miss the next few games. He is recovering from a bone contusion to his right foot. The 25-year-old slot specialist was not included on the team’s first injury report earlier in the week. Then, just the day before the matchup, he was surprisingly listed as “questionable,” sending fans and analysts alike into a panic.
Williamson’s injury comes after he showcased an impressive performance in the Pelicans’ recent overtime loss to the San Antonio Spurs. He simply controlled the game, finishing with 27 points, 10 rebounds, 7 assists, and 3 steals. He delivered a career-altering performance, logging a staggering 37 minutes of court time. Even with his best game, the team ran out of time, which deepens the disappointment about his present condition.
Williamson has gone through a career plagued by injuries. In fact, he’s only been able to play that much in a season twice since entering the league. This year, he was only available for 30 games. In mid-March, New Orleans chose to start shutting him down due to an old bone bruise in his back. His recurring health problems soon sparked concern over his long-term availability and whether his presence alone would be enough to keep the Pelicans competitive.
During the first few weeks of this ongoing campaign, Williamson proved to be worth his weight in gold. He averaged a ridiculous 27 points, 9.5 rebounds, 6 assists and 4 steals over the first two games. His ability to contribute on both ends of the court has been pivotal for New Orleans as they aim to build momentum in a competitive Western Conference.
Without Williamson in the mix, the Pelicans will have to reevaluate their entire game plan going forward. The team has struggled to find consistency on the court, and his absence will make things even tougher as they try to find their footing. Fans and analysts alike are curious to see how the Pelicans will adjust moving forward — without Williamson. They’ll need to expect reinforcements to show up as others fill in the gap he leaves in their attack.
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