Zion Williamson has been out of action for the New Orleans Pelicans for the past seven games due to a strained left hamstring. Unfortunately, it seems like the star forward won’t be making a return anytime soon.
The 24-year-old Williamson has undergone several treatments for his hamstring injury, but he has not recovered sufficiently to be able to play. When he sustained the injury against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Nov. 6, the Pelicans anticipated that he would be out for four to six weeks, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania.
Based on that timeline, Williamson could be sidelined until mid-December. However, the duration of his absence may be longer depending on how his frequently injured hamstring responds.
While Williamson claims that his mobility is currently good, he acknowledges that it is not at the level required for him to return to the court.
“If you ask me, a lot,” Williamson told NOLA.com’s Christian Clark about what he can do. “But I have to follow protocol and guidelines. Staying in good spirits. Rehab is going great. I’m on track. That’s all I can do right now.”
Williamson missed the final 53 games of the 2022-23 season due to a right hamstring strain. Although he played a career-high 70 games last season, he was absent for the Pelicans’ four playoff games due to a left hamstring injury.
Recent reports suggest that Williamson has parted ways with his agents at CAA for undisclosed reasons. This development is unusual and hints at potential behind-the-scenes issues.
Despite playing in only six of the Pelicans’ 16 games this season, Williamson has posted career-best averages of 22.7 points, eight rebounds, 5.3 assists, and 1.2 blocks. However, his impact has been limited due to his sporadic appearances.
Weight has always been a concern for Williamson, but reports indicated that he shed over 25 pounds during the offseason and was in peak physical condition. Team officials were pleased with his progress, noting that he was in the best shape of his career.
The Pelicans have struggled to a 4-12 start, placing them near the bottom of the Western Conference standings. Injuries have been a significant setback for a team aiming to make a playoff return.
At the start of the season, Trey Murphy III missed time with a strained right hamstring and has only played in four games so far. Additionally, Dejounte Murray fractured his left hand in the season opener.
In early November, Herbert Jones suffered a right shoulder strain and rotator cuff tear, which was expected to sideline him for two to four weeks. CJ McCollum also sustained a right adductor strain that is likely to keep him out for two to three weeks.
The Pelicans were eliminated from the NBA Cup in-season tournament following a 112–108 defeat to the Golden State Warriors and the Dallas Mavericks’ 123–120 victory over the Denver Nuggets.