Zion Williamson is in yr six with the New Orleans Pelicans, and the one expectation is that his physique will at all times betray him.
It is taking place once more. The newest damage for Williamson — who has performed in solely six video games this season — is a left hamstring pressure. He final performed in a sport on Nov. 6. His standing for Monday’s sport at Atlanta (10-11) is unknown, one other blow for the struggling Pelicans, who’re final within the Western Convention (4-17).
This is not only one random damage. Health and conditioning have been a continuing concern since he was drafted first general within the 2019 NBA Draft.
Williamson has performed in 190 regular-season video games and missed 200 and counting. That is not perfect for a participant who was thought-about a franchise expertise.
When wholesome, Williamson is among the most enjoyable gamers to observe. He is a two-time All-Star who has profession averages of 24.6 factors, 6.6 rebounds and 4.2 assists. His expertise is just not in query.
Being a franchise participant who can lead at a championship stage requires extra, although. To this point, Williamson hasn’t proven it. Well being and conditioning apart, a good query is: How has his sport developed?
Williamson was larger, sooner and will soar greater than most in highschool and school. Whereas he is nonetheless capable of showcase his bodily presents, it may ring hole at occasions.
Williamson will not be confused for a sharpshooter or an elite creator. His deal with is serviceable however not elite. Williamson’s athletic presents are elite, however what elite basketball talent has he added to his sport?
Maybe that is the most important query in terms of projecting Williamson as a franchise participant for the Pelicans or another staff. Williamson is a 6-foot-6, 284-pounder in a league the place elite expertise are required.
Williamson’s worth could also be plummeting across the league due to his lack of sturdiness. One NBA government recently told USA Today’s HoopsHype that he’d solely take into account buying and selling one first-round decide for Williamson.
On a recent “Brian Windhorst & The Hoop Collective” podcast, ESPN’s Tim McMahon steered the staff ought to reduce Williamson, a extremely unlikely transfer.
“Situation A, the preferable situation, is commerce him and get worth for him,” MacMahon stated. “I feel that is going to be extraordinarily troublesome to do given his damage historical past, given the truth that he seemed far much less explosive than he had been previously within the little bit that he performed this yr.”
Elite athleticism has a brief shelf life. At 4-17, the Pelicans and their followers might have to begin pondering of life after Zion.