Zion Williamson of the New Orleans Pelicans recently had a notable streak come to an end. His career-high of 35 consecutive games played this season was broken when he missed a game against the Los Angeles Clippers due to an ankle injury. This raises questions about the Pelicans’ future plans regarding their two-time All-Star.
Significance of the Streak
Williamson has struggled with injuries since being the first overall pick in 2019. He has missed over half of the regular-season games available to him in the seven seasons since his draft, largely due to issues with his hips, foot, and ankles.
In a recent interview on ESPN’s “NBA Today,” Williamson reflected on the toughest moments in his career. He mentioned that “the most difficult point was when I missed my third year with a broken foot,” adding that he faced criticism regarding his weight and dedication to basketball.
His most consistent season was 2023-24, where he played in 70 games and helped the Pelicans contend for the playoffs. However, he suffered a hamstring strain in a play-in game against the Los Angeles Lakers, which cut his season short.
Trade speculations about Williamson have been persistent, especially considering his injury history and concerns about his weight and fitness. Before his recent stretch, his longest run of consecutive games was just 24, achieved in the 2020-21 season.
A Talent Worth the Risk
Despite the challenges, Williamson has shown significant talent when fit. He made his first All-Star appearance in 2020, averaging 27.0 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 3.7 assists, with an impressive shooting percentage of 61.1%. Currently, he averages 21.5 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 3.5 assists while shooting 58.5% from the field.
Known for his strength and agility at 280 pounds, Williamson can dominate at the basket. While he has yet to completely meet the expectations set by his draft position, his recent availability is a positive sign for the Pelicans regarding their key player.