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Can Zion Williamson overcome his injuries, or are the Pelicans doomed without their star player?

Will Zion Williamson be all right? The question may be on the minds of every New Orleans Pelicans fan in the aftermath of the recent update. After the player appeared to have overcome his injury issues, doctors diagnosed him with hamstring tightness, causing him to miss matchups against the Atlanta Hawks and Portland Trail Blazers. While he did return to play against the Cleveland Cavaliers, the team has now ruled him out indefinitely. This news is likely to dampen the spirits of both Pelicans fans and the player himself. While Williamson’s baby mama cannot do something to lift the spirit of every Pelicans fans, she is now working upon her beau.

Earlier today, Ahkeema took to her official Instagram account to share a series of stories with her 51,500 followers. The same highlighted her preparing a dish of homemade bone broth. According to her, the dish had been “simmering since 9’o clock this morning”. Ahkeema took viewers through the process of making the broth, revealing how hours of preparation go into a meal that people consume in just minutes. From separating a whole chicken into pieces to cooking the vegetables, her tutorial showcased every detail. She also prepared some dinner rolls (Hawaiian Rolls) to complement the broth, adding cheese and garlic butter for extra flavor. Hopefully, you had a hearty meal this morning, or else watching Zion’s belle’s stories will only make you hungrier.

The hamstring injury isn’t Zion’s first on-court ailment, and it certainly may not be the last. In the past, however, the power forward found emotional support when he needed it. Even today, the player values the bond he formed with Teresa Weatherspoon, the former WNBA player who served as the Pelicans’ assistant coach from 2020 to 2023. Just a couple of days ago, Zion sent her flowers, a gesture that reflects the appreciation he still holds for their connection. During a presser, he revealed “Moments when I was injured, out for that whole third year, even in my fourth year when I had success before the hamstring, she was a key piece for that, mentally and on the court.” Now, with Weatherspoon gone, Ahkeema may look to provide the same level of support, or even more.

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The 24-year-old has often come on the receiving end of criticism when it comes to his weight. Even Stephen A. Smith attributed it once to his bad performance, stating “Zion Williamson … went to the free throw line – Ladies and gentlemen, I saw a belly. A belly. Like, when he took a deep breath, his belly bounced.” Therefore, a dish like Bone Broth ensures the player keeps following a healthy diet. On top of that, it can be a mood-improver too.

Zion Williamson may need the support of Ahkeema or others during this period. After all, if his past has taught us anything, it’s that extended injury periods can take a mental toll on him.

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Zion Williamson revealed being in a ‘mental battle’ after injuries limited his on-court appearances

The hamstring strain also troubled Zion during the Pelicans’ 2023 run. He played what turned out to be his last game of the season in January 2023. Zion revealed that he had physically improved by April, but mentally, the absence from playing had an impact.

“It’s a little bit of a mental battle, because you know when I reaggravated (the injury) back in February, it was tough,” said Zion. “So, when I go to make certain moves, there is that hesitation. Sometimes there’s not and sometimes there is. And I understand the magnitude of these games coming up and I don’t want to be out there hesitating or doing something that may affect my team in a bad way.”

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Can Zion Williamson overcome his injuries, or are the Pelicans doomed without their star player?

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The 2024-25 season is still in its early stages, and the New Orleans Pelicans are currently 4-5. Without their star player, Zion Williamson, the record could worsen. While the team may afford a few losses, positive news regarding Zion’s availability would undoubtedly motivate the players and boost their performance. It could help the franchise rise to the top for the first time in years.

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