To close Zion Williamson for the rest of the regular season was a primary school for the New Orleans Pelicans, as naturally as her abbreviation of the “NOP” team during the programs.
The decision, with the injury-plagued former NBA-draft pick no. 1 continued, but seems to be anything but easy.
Various injuries – the recent back injury – will limit Williamson to 30 games or less for the fourth time in his six professional seasons. This includes the entire 2021-22 season with a foot injury.
“Effective, if healthy” describes Williamson’s need and prospects, Pelicans fans and team officials know too well. Is New Orleans with Williamson three more seasons under contract for his durability and condition to align himself with his suddenly fading star? Would a team be acting against Williamson?
Speak on Tuesday edition of First takeThe ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith expressed skepticism that it would be a sustainable step for the pelicans.
“As great as it is, the word” bust “falls in my mind – not because of his talent. I’m just talking about his availability,” said Smith. “If you are not available, it doesn’t matter how great you are. It is almost never available. That is the situation.
“If you exchanged him at the moment, you will notice that you cannot ask for the farm for Zion? Or you can ask him, but you won’t get it because it was not available. And nobody will give up what the pelicans will leave in a position – although they have changed things in a way in some way – they expect that they are not to be expected.
Williamson’s impact is less questionable. The 6-foot 6, 284-pound power striker brings a mixture of muscles and sportiness that can be difficult to defend.
In 30 games this season he scored an average of 24.6 points, 7.2 rebounds, 5.3 assists, 1.2 steals and 0.9 blocks.
In his last appearance, a win on March 19 in Minnesota, Williamson was 29 points with eight templates, five rebounds and three steals at the 12-to-16 shootout.
Williamson is still 24 and offers relative young people as a counter -argument for his fights to stay healthy. The pelicans also offer CJ McCollum Chare – silence from foot cladding – and can stand in line to get a high draft pick to complement their core.
New Orleans visited the Los Angeles Clipper on Wednesday, the fourth, the fourth, in the league.
Pelicans coach Willie Green said that Williamson has to “remain committed” to maintain his conditioning while recovering from the injury and preparing for the 2025-26 season.
“There is no doubt about ZS skills when he is on the floor,” said Green. “I thought everyone had the chance to move him with the ball, to see him as a screener more in pick-and-rolls.
Once again, his ability to stay there remains to be seen.
