Pelicans All-Star forward Zion Williamson is nowhere near being ready to return to the hardwood for New Orleans, sources tell Shams Charania of ESPN. The 6-foot-6 superstar suffered a left hamstring strain two weeks ago.
Sources tell Charania that the Pelicans were initially bracing for Williamson to miss at least four to six weeks as a result of the injury. However, it’s possible that his absence will extend beyond that window, according to Charania, who notes that the former No. 1 overall pick has suffered multiple hamstring strains since entering the league. In other words, the team will be cautious with his timeline.
In his six healthy contests for New Orleans, Williamson averaged 22.7 points, 8.0 rebounds and 5.3 assists per game. He posted a shooting line of .452/.333/.667 during those bouts.
Injuries and fitness have been a major impediment to Williamson’s pro career. Since being selected with the No. 1 pick out of Duke in 2019, Williamson has already missed 48 or more games in three separate seasons due to various maladies. Charania notes that the forward has only been available for 210 of his 400 potential regular-season contests.
The Pelicans have fallen on hard times with a rash of long-term injuries beyond just Williams. Aside from Williamson, forward/center Herbert Jones, and guards Dejounte Murray, CJ McCollum, Jose Alvarado and Jordan Hawkins have all missed extended time this year. The team is currently 4-12 in the competitive Western Conference.
New Orleans did get some good news Friday, at least. Will Guillory of The Athletic reports that Hawkins and Brandon Ingram, who missed Wednesday’s game with a bilateral ankle sprain, will suit up for the Pelicans for their NBA Cup tilt against the Warriors.
