When he is healthy, Zion Williamson is clearly a superstar player in the league, and many are high on what he can be at his best. However, the young star has frequently been held back by injuries and is often unavailable to suit up for the New Orleans Pelicans.
This year, Zion Williamson has been dealing with a hamstring injury that has held him out for the majority of the season. Recently, he provided an update about his injury, stating that it is mostly a mental hurdle about getting out on the court.
“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.”
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.
He doesn't wanna play until he "feels like Zion"
— Will Guillory (@WillGuillory) April 11, 2023
There is no doubt that a player’s body has to feel right for optimal performance on the court and a lower risk of re-injury. Zion Williamson is also already an injury-prone player, and it is best for him to wait until he feels ready to play before suiting up. At some point, players know their bodies the best, and it’s clear that Williamson just doesn’t feel confident in a return right now.
In the 29 games that he did play this season, Zion Williamson looked phenomenal. He averaged 26.0 PPG, 7.0 RPG, and 4.6 APG for the New Orleans Pelicans this season, and hopefully, they will get more games out of him next year. Talent has never been the issue: only durability.
The Pelicans Believe Zion Williamson Is Not Close To Returning
There is no doubt that the New Orleans Pelicans have missed Zion Williamson, and they have slid down to a play-in tournament position without him. However, it is clear that his return is not imminent, and it was previously reported that the team doesn’t believe he is close to returning.
“The hamstring might be feeling good, but from a conditioning perspective, he has not been able to bridge that gap between conditioning, his basketball shape, and everything that goes into being Zion Williamson,” said Shams Charania. “Being 6’6″, the frame that he has, conditioning is always something he has to watch. So, his conditioning is just not there, and from what I’m told, the Pelicans don’t think Zion Williamson is even close to getting back on the floor.”
The New Orleans Pelicans seem unlikely to make the playoffs, and their best bet is likely to prepare for the offseason. Still, the team has gotten great production from Brandon Ingram and Trey Murphy, while Herb Jones is still one of the best defenders in the league. Hopefully, they can surprise everyone and make the playoffs, though that is obviously easier said than done.
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