The New Orleans Pelicans suffered a major setback last season after the team failed to secure a berth in the playoffs due to injuries. Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram both suffered injuries and were sidelined for the rest of the season. However, it looks like the injury bug has returned to plague the team once again.
Trey Murphy III sustained a meniscus injury while working out recently and is expected to miss 10-12 weeks. This is not the only injury to befall the Pelicans this offseason. The franchise has experienced yet another setback as their $6,888,212 guard may miss training camp due to a serious injury.
Another Pelicans’ star goes down
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According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, the Pelicans’ backup guard Jose Alvarado suffered an ankle sprain during a workout over the weekend. While the extent of the injury is unknown, his availability for the training camp is in question. The Georgia Tech alum had a great sophomore year, registering 9.0 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 3.0 assists off the bench in 61 games. However, that is not what he is known for.
The Grand Theft Auto soon gained popularity for his sneaky steals. He lodged 71 steals in 54 games in his rookie year, finishing fourth in total steals among the rookie players. However, he has been prone to injuries for some time, which has caused him to miss the 2023 FIBA World Cup.
New Orleans Pelicans guard Jose Alvarado suffered an ankle sprain during a workout this weekend and his availability for training camp is in question, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium.
? Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) September 17, 2023
Alvarado had to sit out the FIBA World Cup for the Puerto Rican National Team as a precaution after his injury in the last NBA season. He?suffered a stress reaction in his tibia in February, which afforded him 20 games. The front office therefore held him back to prevent the situation from getting worse.
The objective of holding Alvarado back was to ensure that he was fit before the training camp started, which is now in peril. He was, however, not the only player to miss games last season.
Will Zion Williamson be able to stay healthy this season?
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The former No. 1 pick was hailed as one of the league’s best prospects, given his size and explosive skills. However, he has not been able to live up to the expectations due to his long strain of injuries.
The 2-time All-Star tore his meniscus in his rookie season in 2019 and suffered a fractured thumb next season. He then missed the entire 2021?22 season due to a Jones fracture in his right foot. The New Orleans were 23-14 last season before Zion was sidelined. After his departure, the Pelicans finished the regular season with a 42-40 record before failing in the first play-in game.
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One thing that concerns all Pelicans’ fans is the health of their star players. Their season hinges on how healthy their roster is. However, with Zion Williamson healthy, the Pelicans look primed to make a deep run to the finals.