.jpg?itok=xMoTqrGb&ssl=1 "Why is Zion Williamson’s injury history so concerning? The keys to the future for the Pelicans")
The pelicans They had a tough season. The ups and downs were constant and his bad moments were very disturbing. Not surprisingly, the team reached its prime when sion Williamson He was healthy, which hadn’t happened in a long time.
It’s been nearly four years since New Orleans drafted Zion Williamson choose 1 of Plan 2019. In that time, Williamson has missed 190 of a possible 304 games, including the entire 2021-2022 season. This season, an excused absence that began in January took its toll on Williamson 50 absences in 79 games, and the details surrounding his return are quite unclear.
As disappointing as Williamson’s losses have been this season, there is optimism in how the Pelicans have fared with him. Zion needed just 29 games to become an All-Star starter. Their average 26.0 points, 7.0 rebounds and 4.6 assists They showed he hadn’t lost his pace despite the time out.
The Pelicans’ record with him was 17-12, atop the West in mid-December, a statistic that reminds us that when Zion is away from New Orleans, it’s hard to be competitive.
So what does that mean?
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Is it too early to worry about Zion Williamson?
We’re past the point where Zion Williamson’s injury history is a concern. After a torn meniscus put the start of his career on hold, at least one early injury has limited Williamson in each of his NBA seasons.
In his second stint, Zion’s season ended early due to a broken thumb. In the third it was due to a fracture of the right leg. And this 2023, Williamson has lost more than half normal phase due to muscle strain in his right leg.
The “injury-prone” label is apt, but a closer look at his record is a reminder that there should be some sort of distinction between players who constantly suffer from physical problems.
It is very common to try compare one player’s situation with another’s, especially as it relates to injuries, but it is wrong to do so.
The abrupt end of his career Brandon Roy could be used to frame the subtlety of Williamson’s situation, but on the other hand, the way in which Joel Embiid The rebound after missing his first two seasons can also be used as an inspirational example for Zion.
At 22 years old, Sion has come back several times from different physical problems, so much so that he can talk about small microcosms, in which he has shown that he can be the name that marks this generation.
With that in mind, It is too early to assume that Williamson will continue to endure such setbacks year after year.
The problem with him would be if he hadn’t shown signs of durability at any point in his career, but the youngster played in 61 of his 66 games on the year. sophomore. If New Orleans was looking for a playoff spot that 2021, maybe it would play longer.
Nevertheless, we’re still at a point where Williamson can put it behind him and make those early seasons a thing of the past.
Ultimately, it’s unfair to compare Shion to any other player because someone like him has never been seen before. And going forward, the Pelicans can take steps to make sure Williamson is playoff ready.
Whether by planned layoff or load management, the focus is on Williamson getting through an 82-game season. The idea itself is not strange at all. Without further ado, this helped the Raptors keep Kawhi Leonard fresh for their historic title run in 2019. The Sixers are currently hoping to implement a similar strategy with Embiid.
If what we’ve seen of Williamson in 114 games is any indicator, the youngster has the potential to be the best player on an aspiring all-district team.
still exists rumours that he could return before the end of this season to play in the Playoffs.
Will he be able to turn back time and make a difference for the Pelicans again?
The views expressed here do not necessarily represent those of the NBA or its organizations.
