USA Today via Reuters
Jan 30, 2021; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (1) shoots while defended by Houston Rockets guard Victor Oladipo (7) in the third quarter at the Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Jan 30, 2021; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (1) shoots while defended by Houston Rockets guard Victor Oladipo (7) in the third quarter at the Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports
Zion Williamson – 2x NBA All-Star, All-Rookie First Team, explosive athlete, High-Flyer, and more. Also, highly prone to injury. With the arrival of Duke fame, Zion to the Pelicans, their games have become better and better each season. Many have predicted them to be title contenders. The 23-year-old is that good.
Unfortunately, Zion’s weight has been a derailing factor in his career progress. Basketball players are prone to hamstring injuries, ACL, meniscus tears, etc., but in Zion’s case, the likelihood is higher. The young forward, though, is looking to take precautionary measures.
Zion Williamson being injury-prone might bring more harm than good
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In the light of injuries sustained by Zion, the Pelicans General Manager David Griffin issued a stern warning. In the Road Trippin’ podcast, ex-NBA champion Rich Jefferson mentions the same. “Everyone’s job is at risk … you’ve 18 months before your job is at risk.”
It’s not just the coaches or general managers whose jobs are at risk. Even the players are going to have a tough time continuing. You can be incredibly skilled, but if those skills cannot be put to use on the court, then you end up a sitting duck.
Read More: “Probably in the Exact Same Situation”: NBA Hall of Famer Compares His Career with Zion Williamson
This has been the case with Zion. Many have questioned whether he takes any of this seriously enough. This time too, Griffin has come forward with an answer (read: challenge).
Zion is committed to taking the Pelicans to the promised land
Williamson is a Pelican, but his commitment to the sport is characteristic of a phoenix. Even when he’s praised to the high heavens, the same tongues question his work ethic. This summer saw Zion giving an answer to that too.
Will Guillory of The Athletic, tweeted about “the work Zion’s been putting this summer.”
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Been hearing good things about the work Zion’s putting in this summer.
Was told he’s been really focused on making sure his body is prepared for a long season. Think he’s gonna come in with a chip on his shoulder. pic.twitter.com/m1bkf4bhyc
— Will Guillory (@WillGuillory) September 1, 2023
The 2022-23 season saw the Pelicans off to an extraordinary start. But a hamstring injury led to Zion missing the entire season. This was right after he missed the entire 2021-22 season due to a broken foot.
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Seeing how he’s been working out this summer, we can surely expect Zion to lead the team to the playoffs. Possibly, even to the Finals?
