Mike Breen couldn’t hold back his feelings about Zion Williamson’s recurring absences during the New Orleans Pelicans‘ sixth straight loss, a 93–104 defeat against the New York Knicks. While the camera panned to Williamson sitting on the bench at the Smoothie King Center, Breen quipped:
“Zion Williamson in a familiar spot, on the bench in street clothes.”
Mike Breen:
“Zion Williamson in a familiar spot, on the bench in street clothes.”
— Mark Jackson’s Burner (@casualtakeking) December 23, 2024
The remark highlighted Zion’s ongoing struggles with injuries, as he has played just six games this season.
The former No. 1 overall pick has missed 24 of the Pelicans’ first 30 games this season, sidelined since November 6 due to a hamstring injury. This latest setback adds to an already troubling trend; Zion has now missed 230 games in his six-year NBA career.
Last season offered a glimmer of hope when he played 70 games, averaging 22.9 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 5.1 assists on 57% shooting. However, his inability to stay on the court consistently has left fans and analysts questioning his long-term potential.
Zion entered the league with sky-high expectations, hailed as the next great NBA superstar. Unfortunately, his career has been defined more by what could have been than what has been accomplished.
Despite his immense talent and occasional flashes of dominance, his ongoing fitness issues have kept him from reaching his full potential. The Pelicans, now 5–25, have seen their season spiral out of control, and Zion’s absence has played a significant role in their struggles.
Critics like Charles Barkley and Shaquille O’Neal have often pointed to Zion’s weight and fitness as underlying factors in his injury history. The Pelicans even included a weight clause in his contract, tying portions of his salary to maintaining a playing weight below 295 pounds. While Zion reportedly entered this season at 281 pounds, his current injury situation has once again stalled any progress.
Despite the bleak outlook, Zion’s talent ensures there is always hope for a turnaround. Last season proved he could contribute at an elite level when healthy. However, time is running out for him to silence critics and reclaim his trajectory as a potential face of the league. If he fails to stay on the court, Zion risks becoming one of the biggest “what ifs” in NBA history.
As Breen’s comment indicates, the narrative around Zion Williamson is rapidly shifting from unfulfilled potential to growing frustration. The Pelicans and their fans can only hope that their star player finds a way to stay healthy and deliver on the promise he showed when he entered the league.
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