The latest Pelicans injury update regarding Zion Williamson positions the team without another starter for an uncertain period. Williamson’s injury is just another thorn in the side of the Pelicans early on this season, as they are currently dealing with a bevy of injuries across the board.
Pelicans Injury Update Spells Indefinite Absence for 2x All-Star
Zion Williamson To Miss Time Due According to Latest Pelicans Injury Update
The former Duke college standout’s physical transformation over the offseason was impressive. Williamson had struggled with his weight and health ever since he entered the NBA, and his nutrition and discipline to take care of himself overshadowed his talent and potential on the court. With the work he put in during the summer and the significant changes that took place physically, reducing the number of injuries was the targeted reason for it all. Unfortunately, Zion has again succumbed to another injury only three weeks into the season.
ESPN senior writer Shams Charania reported that this latest Pelicans injury update revealed that Williamson has been diagnosed with a left hamstring strain. Medical imaging was scheduled and completed on Saturday morning, which confirmed the injury. There is no immediate timetable for his return, but with it being a hamstring problem, don’t expect him back by the Pelicans next Monday game against the Brooklyn Nets.
Since his rookie year, Williams has been plagued by injury after injury in consecutive seasons. However, much of that could be largely attributed to his conditioning. His conditioning this season is in a much better place, so let’s hope that this injury recovers quickly and he can continue with a relatively healthier season for his sake.
One Affliction After Another
The Pelicans have probably suffered the most injury setbacks of any team in the league so far. These injuries also happen to have victimized stars and key rotation players. Williamson joins two other Pelicans starters, CJ McCollum and Dejounte Murray, in street clothes. Murray remains sidelined due to a left-hand fracture. McCollum suffered a right adductor strain and is still not expected back for a couple of weeks. Herb Jones, Trey Murphy III, and Jordan Hawkins are also out with injuries. Although Murphy is expected back next week and could return as soon as Monday’s matchup with the Nets.
After a playoff appearance last season, the Pelicans were expected to contend again this year. Trading for Murray in the offseason only heightened those expectations. Of course, the season is far from over, and all these injured players will return eventually. But these injuries and collectively missed time have interrupted the Pelicans chances of getting off to a good start. They’re sitting at second-last in the West with a 3-7 record. Only the Utah Jazz are worse off.
As I said, the Pelicans will come together again. Their roster and starting lineup are formidable once that happens—provided no one else goes down in the meantime. Williamson, McCollum, Murray, and Brandon Ingram make up four of the five starters. Either Murphy or Jones, likely Murphy, fill the final spot. That’s an impressive starting five. The Pelicans also have great depth—Yves Missi, Jose Alvarado, Daniel Theis, and Brandon Boston Jr., who is playing exceptionally well in place of the missing stars. Don’t count out the Pelicans just yet, and don’t be surprised if they’re fighting for playoff positioning in the end.
