It is time for the Pelicans to confess this is not working.
On Saturday, New Orleans introduced that ahead Zion Williamson can be out indefinitely with a hamstring pressure.
“Additional updates shall be appropriately offered,” the Pelicans wrote.
Williamson began six video games this season and averaged 22.7 factors, eight rebounds, 5.3 assists and 1.2 blocks per recreation.
The Pelicans (3-7) have been beset by accidents, already dropping Dejounte Murray (hand fracture), C.J. McCollum (abductor pressure), Herb Jones (shoulder pressure) and Trey Murphy III (hamstring pressure).
Williamson’s damage is the most recent in a profession outlined by his absences.
His rookie season in 2019-20 was delayed due to a knee injury. He then missed the complete 2021-22 season following offseason foot surgery. Throughout the next season, Williamson suffered a season-ending hamstring injury in January 2023.
He performed a career-high 70 video games in 2023-24 however suffered a hamstring damage within the Play-In Event in opposition to the Lakers, ending his season.
Williamson has 4 years remaining (together with this season) on a five-year, $197.2 million extension he signed in 2022.
Nonetheless, the 2024-25 season is the final assured yr on his contract after the ultimate three turned non-guaranteed in 2023. (h/t The Athletic)
It is time for the Pelicans to start forming an exit technique from his contract, whether or not by voiding the ultimate three years and permitting him to grow to be a free agent on the finish of the season or through commerce.
Given his unreliability, he may not have a lot commerce demand, however at 24, Williamson remains to be younger sufficient to have a profitable second act.
It is turning into more and more tough to think about him dwelling as much as his potential because the No. 1 total decide of the 2019 NBA Draft in New Orleans.