Zion Williamson to Miss Start of Regular Season

New Orleans Pelicans’ forward Zion Williamson will miss the start of the regular season due to offseason surgery on his right foot, per ESPN. According to Vice President of Basketball Operations David Griffin, team doctors recently reviewed scans of his foot and were encouraged by the results. 

However, despite the positive results, Griffin made it clear that there was not a set timeline for Williamson’s return and that team doctors would look to reevaluate his status in two-and-a-half weeks when they perform another set of scans. 

The Pelicans are likely looking to be cautious with the former number one pick as he works his way back from a type of injury that has been historically detrimental to players of large stature. Foot injuries are particularly dangerous for big men because of the amount of weight and stress they put on their feet and legs. In Williamson’s case, it is particularly worrisome given his 6’6 stature and 280 plus pound weight. 

Making sure that this does not become a long-term problem is key for the Pelicans, as they do not want to derail the career of such a promising young prospect. Williamson made his first All-Star team last season and was eighth in the NBA with an average of 27 points per game. Rushing him back only to exacerbate the problem would certainly not be in their best interest.

Expect to not see Williamson for an extended period of time to start the regular season, and the Pelicans should look to help Williamson get leaner if they want to see him have the long and prosperous career he is capable of having. 

All stats courtesy of ESPN and Basketball-Reference

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