New Orleans Pelicans have yet to see Zion Williamson on the court this season. The dynamic forward is still nursing a foot injury.
The team originally announced on Nov. 26 that Zion had been cleared to participate in full team activities. Yet, he suffered a setback in December, and New Orleans pulled Williamson out from team activities.
Prior to that, there were reports suggested Williamson was out of shape when he appeared in the team’s facilities after his surgery.
The 2019 first overall pick was expected to be the face of the franchise. Williamson averaged 27.0 points, 7.2 rebounds and 3.7 assists through 33.2 minutes per game last season. He was among the top players scoring in the paint, making 61 percent of his shots from the field.
CJ McCollum, who joined the Pelicans via trade at the deadline, made a shocking revelation during the All-Star weekend. The former Blazers’ guard said he hasn’t spoken with Zion Williamson, since he joined the team.
“I haven’t had conversations with him directly,” McCollum said on TNT via Yahoo Sports. “I’ve spoken with some people close to him, and I look forward to sitting down with him sooner [rather] than later. I know about as much as you do right now, but I’m gonna get to the bottom of it.”
That’s certainly not a good look for both the Pelicans and Williamson. This revelation could also fan the flames of those speculating about Zion wanting out from New Orleans.
Zion has left New Orleans to focus on his rehab. He has issued a statement via the team on January, but the timeline of his return is still unclear.
Here's the statement from Zion Williamson, released by the team, regarding his continued rehab in Portland. This is the first time we've heard from the Pels star since Media Day. pic.twitter.com/DEzKMgbVRs — Will Guillory (@WillGuillory) January 5, 2022
There were also reports revealed he could need a second surgery on his right foot going forward, but nothing has been decided yet.
Zion Williamson could require a second surgery on his right foot, per Christian Clark pic.twitter.com/eiJ1yk4xOR — Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) February 16, 2022
Undoubtedly, CJ McCollum is a big acquisition for the Pels. The franchise is hoping to eventually see the trio of McCollum, Brandon Ingram and Zion Williamson leading the franchise to the postseason for the first time in years.
McCollum is averaging 28.4 points on 51/42/76 shooting splits in his first five games in New Orleans. He’s also adding 4.6 assists and 4.5 rebounds through those five games.
CJ McCollum knocked down 7 three-pointers on his way to 38 points. CJ has scored 30+ points in 3 of his last 4 games for the @PelicansNBA!@CJMcCollum: 38 PTS, 5 AST, 2 STL, 7 3PM pic.twitter.com/5V0Usdtueq — NBA (@NBA) February 18, 2022
Williamson’s continued setbacks alongside the long-shot playoff hopes for a 13-25 team definitely contributed to casting doubt on if the Pelicans’ fans will see the All-Star back this season.
Without a doubt, the Pelicans’ moves seem to point to a ‘win-now’ situation, hoping to keep Williamson around for the long run. He has one more year remaining in his rookie deal, but the Pelicans could match any offer when he’ll hit free agency in the 2023 offseason.
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