via Imago
Jan 30, 2021; NBA New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (1) reacts after making a free throw in the third quarter against the Houston Rockets at the Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports
via Imago
Jan 30, 2021; NBA New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (1) reacts after making a free throw in the third quarter against the Houston Rockets at the Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports
The New Orleans Pelicans are barely alive and the 2021-22 NBA season has only just begun. They are at a three-game losing streak and holding a disappointing 1-6 record in the Western Conference. But how is this possible with Zion Williamson on their side? Well, Zion hasn’t played for them at all so far. The injury that he sustained in the offseason, is not only keeping him from helping his team get wins but is also leading to him becoming a target for jokes.
Shaquille O’Neal and Charles Barkley hilariously mock Pelicans’ star
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The New Orleans Pelicans have suffered quite a lot since their All-Star Zion Williamson hasn’t played since the new season began. Fans are tired of watching their team bite the dust every time they’re in a matchup. Almost everyone is wondering how long will Zion be out because of his injury?
Zion endured a foot injury during the offseason, something he doesn’t seem to have recovered from yet. Unfortunately, the world part about Williamson sitting out is the criticism he is receiving for it. In a very recent video of him, Williamson looks like he has gained quite a bit of weight since he hasn’t been playing. But what can one expect from someone who’s only focus is resting at the moment?
However, no logic is going to stop people from making a mockery out of it. Even on ‘Inside the NBA’, they play the same video of Zion and Shaquille O’Neal and Charles Barkley couldn’t help but make fun of it. Barkley said, “Looks like me and Shaq had a baby”. Shaq couldn’t stop laughing at the comment and even almost fell off the podium while he was standing.
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Can Zion Williamson get back into shape before his return?
There has been no definite timeline for his return. However, coach Willie Green recently revealed that Zion has at least found the strength to do some limited work on the court.
But he is going to be out at least another 2-3 weeks, after which a scan will be done that will enable him to at least take part in practices. Even then, the Pelicans have to tread lightly and make sure his return is smooth. They can’t risk even more damage to him, and to their record this season.
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Willie Green says Zion Williamson had his scans done on his foot. He's cutting, doing some work on the floor.
He still isn't cleared to do any 5-on-5 work. The plan is for him to get another round of scans in 2-3 weeks that'll free him up to be a full participant in practice.
— Will Guillory (@WillGuillory) November 1, 2021
Moreover, returning is not the end goal. Zion will also have to get back to his fittest self if he, once again, needs to be the freak of nature on the court that he is famously known for.
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