New Orleans desperately needed their 24-year-old force to return to the court. And well, Zion Williamson did come back, dropping 22 points vs. the Dallas Mavericks on Tuesday. After missing the NBA for 27 games straight, Zion’s return brought a speck of hope for the crumbling Pelicans who are significantly struggling in the 2024-25 season. But then, something odd happened, and the power forward faced a suspension. What?

The Pelicans revealed on Friday that Zion Williamson would miss their game against the 76ers that night. He was to return to the roster over the weekend vs. the Celtics. Shams Charania of ESPN reported the suspension follows Williamson showing up late for the team’s flight to Philadelphia. Later, the hoopster released a statement and vowed he’d improve and expressed regrets over his action. “I take full responsibility for this suspension. I’ve worked extremely hard in rehab to get healthy to deliver for this team. There is no excuse for being late to team activities.” 

Well, despite his return to the floor on Sunday vs. Boston, the Pelicans couldn’t turn the tables. Although the game was an absolute nail-biter, and for once it felt like the C’s would lose, it was Williamson’s side that missed the mark by 1 point. After the game, the 24-year-old forward broke the silence over his suspension and said: “You know this is my job. Holding me accountable- all I can do is just be better. I mean there are actions, there are consequences for actions and that was my consequence.”

The suspension’s bitterness could’ve been forgotten if the New Orleans Pelicans won the game vs. the Celtics. But no, the 120-119 loss seemed inevitable. Zion could chip in 16 points after playing for 33 minutes. However, one of the NBA veterans has some sharp words for the 2x All-Star.

Former NBA player doesn’t mince words for Zion Williamson

Former NBA star Lou Williams shared his take on Zion Williamson’s situation, emphasizing its potential impact on his future. Speaking on FanDuel’s Run It Back show, Williams delivered his thoughts with sharp candor. Williams sharply noted: “There’s no excuse for this. Chandler can attest to this; to be late to a team plane is almost impossible.” He added: “It’s going to be one of two scenarios. Either you’re leaving directly from the practice facility to go to the plane, or you’re leaving from home on an off day. One way or another, you have plenty of time to get to the plane. And this is, it’s just no excuse to be late for that.”

However, Williams went on to bluntly remark: “It’s just irresponsible. There’s no other way to put it, you have to be, you have to be held accountable for these types of things. You’re on a 15-man team. You’re one of the guys that everybody looks to for leadership. Even though you’re one of the young guys on this team. You know, heavy is the head that wears the crown. When you’re a highly touted guy, like Zion Williamson. There are some high expectations.”

Lou Williams further highlighted how a player’s reputation lingers, impacting both their current team and potential suitors. He remarked, “Zion’s credit is bad… other teams won’t be as patient as the Pelicans,” driving home his point with sharp clarity. So, Zion’s comeback so far has been tumultuous. First, his hamstring injury kept him away for weeks and now the odd suspension added another DNP to his name. Surely, the power forward has a lot to catch up on.

Can Zion Williamson’s return mean redemption for the Pelicans? What do you think?