Zion Williamson might be an explosive athlete making 2-time NBA All-Star and All-Rookie First team, but he is also an injury-prone star which has frustrated the Pelicans’ aspirations. Since the star’s selection in the 2019 NBA Draft, he has missed several games like the entirety of the 2021-2022 season to a broken foot.
Though the Pelicans’ star proves his worth when healthy on the court, his incessant injury stories aren’t welcome by the management. Despite recent news of the star working hard to mitigate the situation, General Manager David Griffin has issued severe warnings ahead of the new season.
Zion injury leads to David Griffin warning
While one might argue that basketball players are prone to injuries as it’s a physical game, Zion Williamson is one player who has a high likelihood of getting injured before a season ends. It was revealed recently that GM Griffin has issued a severe warning to the team amid injuries sustained by Zion.
Griffin said, “Everyone’s job is at risk….you’ve 18 months before your job is at risk.” As reported by The Road Trippin’ Podcast. This statement by the General Manager was also affirmed by ex-NBA Champion Rich Jefferson. Griffin has made it very clear that it’s not just coaches whose jobs are on the line, but players also.
A player might be very skilful but if your team can’t benefit from it on the court, it becomes a problem. Zion Williamson just happens to find himself to be a player which his team hasn’t really enjoyed due to a series of injuries.
Injury-prone Zion can make things worse
Following GM Griffin’s warning to everyone on the team, Zion Williamson could make things worse if his injury situation continues. Zion has a chronic injury situation like the 2019 – 2020 Rookie season where he missed a significant portion of the season due to a knee injury. He had surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his knee, which delayed his NBA debut.
Again, after having a good season in 2020 – 2021, he missed the whole of the next season due to a right foot injury. He then went on another hamstring strain injury which kept him out of action for multiple weeks. Zion Williamson has returned from a recent hamstring strain injury and featured in the Pelicans’ pre-season opener against the Orlando Magic.
Zion Williamson’s performance in the game was impressive as expected by everyone when he is healthy. He had 12 points, 5 assists, and 5 rebounds in just 15 first-half minutes. The Pelicans who are highly tipped even above the Lakers by Hall of Famer Reggie Miller to win the NBA championship will need every one of their stars in good health, but with one of their stars Zion Williamson being injury-prone, it could make things worse for the team. Or what do you think? Share your thoughts in the comment section.
