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- Reports out of New Orleans are saying star Zion Williamson will not play this season
- NBA followers are debating his future after hearing the news
- Read more NBA news here
The start of Zion Williamson’s NBA career has not gone according to plan.
The former No. 1 overall pick has yet to complete a full professional season. He’s been injured for the majority of his short NBA stint, spending more time on the sidelines than on the court.
Over the three seasons since his being drafted, Williamson has played in just 85 games with the Pelicans. He’s yet to see the floor in 2021-22 and based on the latest reports coming out of New Orleans, it appears he won’t play at all this year.
Zion Williamson is not expected to return to the court this season as he continues to recover from foot surgery, per @ShamsCharania pic.twitter.com/LrnJkg42Cl
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) March 21, 2022
The foot surgery that’s kept him from action this season will secure his spot on the New Orleans bench for the remainder of the year.
It’s not terribly surprising considering the Pelicans are currently 11 games under .500, but there is still a possibility for the team to sneak into the postseason. As of now, they rank ninth in the Western Conference standings which means they’d have a play-in opportunity at the end of the regular season.
Having Williamson on the court come April would certainly improve their chances, but it appears that he’s not healthy enough to give it a go.
The Pelicans will play it safe with their top young prospect.
NBA Reacts To Zion Williamson News
With Zion officially being shut down for the rest of 2022, the NBA world is taking to social media to react.
Most are debating his future, both as a player and as a Pelican.
Will Williamson’s highly anticipated career fizzle out before it really began? Would the star move on from New Orleans?
Check out the reaction below.
Shams goes on record saying Zion isn't expected to return this season. Also mentions "he has been attending Pelicans home games and has appeared to be in positive spirits around teammates and coaches." https://t.co/uXgrQoctpi
— Mason Ginsberg (@MasonGinsberg) March 21, 2022
Zion Williamson is not expected to return this season.
The question MUST be asked, does Zion really love the game of basketball?
— Nick Adams (Alpha Male) (@NickAdamsinUSA) March 21, 2022
https://twitter.com/bcarr_13/status/1505919781345677318
So far not the pick New Orleans had hoped for, especially passing on Ja. Williamson has so much talent though that if he can get and stay healthy the pick will definitely pan out
— Connor Clement (@connorclementtv) March 21, 2022
I hope Zion makes a full comeback and can play because he's a beast. Not sure tho https://t.co/zWHJ4v589g
— Gifdsports (@gifdsports) March 21, 2022
Greg Oden games played through his first two seasons: 88
Zion Williamson games played through his first 3 seasons: 85 https://t.co/hVFSyqGWen
— Kyle Horvath (@Zavehi) March 21, 2022
If I’m the Pelicans, I’m trading him in the off-season…and I’m a Zion fan but he clearly doesn’t wanna be there https://t.co/nGveMPWIBd
— M.P.A. Skeets (@keithstreetjr) March 21, 2022
I’m trading Zion if I’m the pelicans this off season
— MH (@SpiderPigBoomin) March 21, 2022
Zion never plays another game for the Pelicans right? https://t.co/lFHIQefD5q
— Luke Rosenthal (@luke_rosenthal) March 21, 2022
When healthy, Williamson has been a force on the court. He’s averaged 25.7 points a game over his career while shooting over 60% from the floor.
We’ll have to wait until 2022-23 to see where his future takes him. Until then, speculation will continue on social media.