“This one game suspension is a result of failing to meet our team standards,” executive VP of basketball operations David Griffin in a statement. “His dedication to this organization is of paramount significance to us and to him. He has taken accountability for his actions and reaffirmed that commitment to the team today. I’m confident he will continue to evolve positively on and off the floor.”
Williamson will be unavailable for Friday’s game in Philadelphia, then will rejoin the team on Saturday, according to the Pelicans.
Although the team didn’t provide any additional details on the exact nature of the violation, Shams Charania of ESPN reports that Williamson was late for the Pelicans’ team flight to Philadelphia on Thursday, while NBA insider Chris Haynes says the 24-year-old has also been late for multiple practices this season.
Williamson confirmed in a statement of his own that the suspension was related to his tardiness.
“I take full responsibility for this suspension,” he said. “I’ve worked extremely hard in rehab to get healthy to deliver for this team. There is no excuse for being late to team activities. I have apologized to (Pelicans owner) Mrs. (Gayle) Benson and my teammates and coaches and I also owe an apology to the fans. I can and will be better as a teammate and member of this organization.”
Williamson just returned to action on Tuesday after missing more than two months due to a hamstring strain. The former No. 1 overall pick looked good in his first game back, racking up 22 points on 9-of-15 shooting in 28 minutes of action. He also contributed six rebounds, four assists and three steals and was a +8 in a game New Orleans lost by seven points.
However, Williamson sat out on Wednesday in the second game of a back-to-back and will now miss Friday’s contest too, so his second outing of 2025 won’t happen until Sunday, when the Pelicans visit Boston.
By rule, the suspension will cost Williamson 1/145th of his $36,725,670 salary for the 2024-25 season. That works out to $253,280.
