Following their loss against the Oklahoma City Thunder in the play-in tournament, the New Orleans Pelicans are officially out of the playoffs this season. There was a bit of a ‘what if’ surrounding a potential return for Zion Williamson, but he didn’t feel ready to come back just yet. And after media speculation that this was a problem for his teammates, Larry Nance Jr. has set the record straight.
“No one in our locker room is looking at Z any type of way,” Nance tweeted. “We’re with him every step of his rehab, and support his process, physically AND mentally! Don’t listen to people saying things just to get views!!”
No one in our locker room is looking at Z any type of way. We’re with him every step of his rehab, and support his process, physically AND mentally!
Don’t listen to people saying things just to get views‼️ https://t.co/wJGjJvyzPR
— Larry Nance (@Larrydn22) April 12, 2023
This was in direct response to Skip Bayless, who claimed that people within the organization, including players, weren’t happy with Zion Williamson.
“The Pelicans players are not happy with Zion in particular because they’re fearing he’s getting the wrong advice, as a young player, that is messing with his mind. They think he should just suck it up and stand up to both his stepfather and his medical people and just say, ‘No, I feel great, I’m going to go ahead and play.'”
This was a pretty big thing for Skip Bayless to put out there, but it seems like the players themselves don’t feel this way. While some may privately have thoughts on Williamson’s situation, it speaks volumes that Larry Nance Jr. has come out and openly denied the report. The Pelicans now have till October to get Zion healthy and ready for next season.
Zion Williamson Didn’t Return Because He Didn’t Feel Like Himself
When Zion Williamson was healthy and averaging 26 points and 7 rebounds per game, the New Orleans Pelicans were fighting at the top of the Western Conference. His absence pushed them into the play-in tournament. A return might have gotten them through it too, but Zion doesn’t feel like he is fully ready.
“Zion Williamson says the main thing holding him back right now is getting over the mental hurdle of his injury. Says there are times when he still feels a hesitation when he makes certain moves.”
There is a big fear around the NBA that Zion Williamson may never live up to the potential that he obviously has. His injuries and conditioning have been a topic of concern since before he entered the league. And while his teammates may support him right now, Williamson needs to spend a season healthy soon or the narratives surrounding him will only get worse.
We sincerely appreciate and respect you as a reader of our site. It would help us a lot if you follow us on Google News because of the latest update.
Thanks for following us. We really appreciate your support.
