Zion Williamson and injuries have become a somewhat familiar story. It's a challenge the Pelicans forward will continue to face as he steps into his fifth season in the NBA.
Interestingly, one quote from Zion underscores that this unfortunate pattern has actually been evident since his very first game in the league. Back then, the rookie was on a minutes restriction due to a previous injury, and Williamson's post-game comments showed his worries about going down again.
"It was nice to experience those emotions. I was happy to be out there and be able to run out there again, but what was going through my mind was just, 'Be calm,'" Zion reflected , per The Associated Press.
Rollercoaster start
Williamson, the top pick in the 2019 NBA Draft, stood out as one of the most anticipated prospects ever. After breaking numerous records at Duke, the young forward was poised to make a significant impact in the league. However, Zion's path to NBA greatness faced a setback when he tore his meniscus during the preseason of his rookie year—the first, and certainly not the last, injury 'Zanos' would encounter.
Three months later, the highly anticipated debut of the then-19-year-old sensation finally arrived. Although his Pelicans lost 117-121 to the Spurs, Zion's debut performance remarkably demonstrated why he had garnered so much attention. For instance, he went on an unbelievable 17-point consecutive scoring run in the fourth quarter, keeping his team in the fight. However, the North Carolina native had to sit out the rest of the game due to minutes restrictions, much to the disappointment of fans who unsuccessfully chanted for their new star to return.
"Me, personally, I don't want any restrictions. But I'm not a doctor or a trainer, so I've just got to listen to them," remarked Williamson after the game.
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A career plagued by setbacks
Williamson's NBA debut and the statement that followed it hinted at the challenges that lay ahead. Every time the 2020 ROY showcased his undeniable talent on the court, often in a dominant and even historically efficient way, injuries were never far behind.
The 2021-22 season was particularly tough, as Zion missed the entire year after undergoing surgery for a Jones fracture in his right foot. Despite this setback, he signed a lucrative five-year rookie extension with the Pelicans the following summer. After proving his worth with solid performances, another injury struck in early 2023, sidelining 'Zanos' once again for an extended period. Last season, after some impressive stretches, an injury late in the regular season prevented the two-time All-Star from making his NBA postseason debut.
This ongoing situation has led to a lot of finger-pointing. Some blame the Pelicans for failing to keep such a promising talent healthy, while others criticize Zion for often appearing out of shape. Off-court controversies, including an affair with an adult film star , have only added to the scrutiny.
If this trend continues into the 2024-25 season, the 24-year-old could become one of the biggest 'what if' prospects in NBA history.
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