Zion Williamson is primed for a bright NBA career. However, injuries and his initial years in the league have walked hand in hand. The last thing New Orleans Pelicans supporters want is for their bright young gun to sustain another serious injury. Williamson’s recent ankle soreness, though, has given them a taste of that worry once more.
During the Pels’ preseason encounter against the Miami Heat, the former number-one pick rolled his left ankle in the second quarter. The power forward stayed in the game for about three more minutes before getting subbed out.
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The Pelicans faithful shielded their eyes in fear, knowing that Williamson has missed significant time on the floor due to lower body injuries in the past. Due to knee issues, the former Duke standout did not make his NBA debut until January 2020. Furthermore, he had a significant setback in his career when he missed the entire last season after undergoing surgery to heal a broken foot.
Pelicans say Zion Williamson (left ankle soreness) will not return to tonight's game.
— Andrew Lopez (@_Andrew_Lopez) October 13, 2022
However, following the game, Pelicans supporters received some good news. Willie Green addressed the media, allowing his team’s fans to breathe a sigh of relief. He said that Williamson “is doing fine” and is only day-to-day after rolling his ankle.
Willie Green: Zion Williamson "is doing fine."
Said Zion rolled his ankle and they expect him to be day to day.
— Andrew Lopez (@_Andrew_Lopez) October 13, 2022
The player himself assured everyone that the angle-twist is not serious. “I’m fine,” he said, adding that it appeared bad at the time, but that after he stood up, he felt fine.
Fans react to the worrying Zion Williamson ankle news
Zion Williamson has shown flashes of world-class potential in the short time he has been on the court. However, injuries have prevented him from making the big leap that everyone expects him to make sooner than later.
After healing from a fractured foot, the 22-year-old was prepared to take on the forthcoming season with renewed vigor. However, another setback in his fairly young career came in the shape of minor ankle soreness. Pelicans supporters will be hopeful that this little setback does not snowball into a significant one.
Willie Green stated that he does not anticipate the ankle becoming a long-term issue. However, the New Orleans Pelicans are anticipated to proceed with caution. If the Pelicans elect to play Williamson, Pelicans supporters will hope his minutes are limited until he is fully recovered.
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As Zion Williamson took another blow to his foot, NBA fans flooded social media with reactions.
This poor kid just can't stay healthy. https://t.co/9knuTjol7I
— Matt Murphy (@MattMurph24) October 13, 2022
Mr. Glass
— Coach Corey (@KNYCELYPHE) October 13, 2022
It begins
— Stephen Wessels (@StephenWessels_) October 13, 2022
Well that didn’t take long 😂
— juju (@_julivnne_) October 13, 2022
Got paid and now he chills till the supermax comes
— DAΠΤΞ’s IΠFΞΓΠΩ (@Atomic_Comet) October 13, 2022
Awww shit, here we go again
— P1 Bobby Bacala (12-5)(23-17) (@batenarker) October 13, 2022
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Can his management not find him a better offseason trainer anywhere?
— Colin LIV (@Colin_LIV_) October 13, 2022
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And so his injury prone self strikes again
— Senior Sports Editor (@sports_senior) October 13, 2022