For the fourth time in six seasons, Zion Williamson will play in 30 games or fewer.
The New Orleans Pelicans announced this week that the two-time All-Star is being shut down for the remainder of the season due to a low back bone contusion, an injury he suffered during a game on March 19 against the Minnesota Timberwolves. The team stated Williamson’s rehabilitation plan will focus on rest and treatment.
Williamson’s career derailed once again by injury
The news marks yet another frustrating chapter in Williamson’s career, as injuries continue to derail his immense potential.
Despite averaging 24.6 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 5.3 assists per game on an efficient 56.7% shooting this season, the 6-foot-6 forward’s availability remains a major concern.
His inability to stay on the court has drawn criticism from many, including ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith, who had a blunt response to the Pelicans’ decision to shut Williamson down: “Bust.”
“I feel very, very bad for the Pelicans in the city of New Orleans because Zion Williamson is a star-caliber talent,”Smith said on First Take.
“When he is on the court and healthy, he’s a monster. The problem is he’s rarely available. As great as he is, the word bust comes to mind, not because of his talent. I’m only talking about his availability.”
Smith continued by highlighting how Williamson’s injury history has impacted his trade value.
“If you traded him right now, for example, do you realize you can’t ask for the farm for Zion? Or you can ask, but you ain’t going to get it because he hasn’t been available. And nobody is going to give that up.”
While Smith’s assessment focuses on availability, Williamson’s production when healthy is undeniable.
He is the only player since 1997 to average at least 15 points in the paint while shooting 55% or better in each of his first five seasons, according to ESPN Research.
However, the numbers also paint a troubling picture-over his six-year career, Williamson has missed 258 games and played in only 214.
The Pelicans, currently holding the NBA’s fourth-worst record (21-54), have been plagued by injuries beyond Williamson. CJ McCollum, Trey Murphy, Dejounte Murray, and Herbert Jones have all missed significant time, forcing the team to use 41 different starting lineups this season.
New Orleans is now in position to contend for the No. 1 pick in the upcoming NBA Draft, which features projected top prospect Cooper Flagg.
As Williamson’s season comes to another premature end, questions about his long-term future in New Orleans, and in the NBA, will only grow louder.
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