The New Orleans Pelicans are struggling big-time. They are dead-last in the league with a 1 – 11 record, as they have failed to find any sort of footing to start the season. Compounding matters is Zion Williamson's situation: he has reportedly not been even remotely close to game shape, and his injury is taking an awful long time to heal.
That doesn't seem to be changing anytime soon, if Shams Charania's sources are to be believed. Speaking on the Pat McAfee Show, the well-known NBA insider reported that the Pelicans' franchise player won't be playing any time soon.
“I haven't heard that that's even a possibility… but look at the signs. To my knowledge, he's not close to really taking the floor… They keep pushing back his timeline.”
"Zion Williamson isn't even close to taking the floor.. they keep pushing back his timeline" ~@ShamsCharania#PatMcAfeeShowLIVE pic.twitter.com/6tCEoYgEtc
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) November 11, 2021
When asked about whether this decision was from Zion's camp or the Pelicans, Charania clarified that it was a mutual decision between both parties. He also had some worrying details about Zion's shape and injury.
“It's both doctors… on Zion Williamson's side, on the Pelicans side. Because I'm told not only the bone isn't fully healing yet, listen. He needs to be in game shape as well… he's just not there yet.”
Rumors abounded last month about Williamson's weight issues, and it seems like the Pelicans and Williamson haven't quite figured out that part yet. What's concerning about this is that for a guy with noted issues with his lower body (particularly his foot), being heavy is a sure-fire way to get yourself injured. Especially considering Zion's athletic playstyle, it should be the team's priority to make sure he loses weight.
Perhaps it's better for the Pelicans to sit out their star while he recovers. It's already looking like a lost season for them, and risking Williamson's health for a few wins doesn't seem like a good option.
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