PHILADELPHIA — The New Orleans Pelicans have announced the suspension of power forward Zion Williamson for their game against Philadelphia. This decision comes as a result of his failure to adhere to team policies, specifically his repeated lateness to practices and flights throughout the season.
Coach Willie Green addressed the media, stating that the suspension resulted from multiple incidents that prompted the organization to take this step. Since being selected first overall in the 2019 draft, Williamson has faced numerous injuries, resulting in him missing more games than he has participated in. This season, he has only played in seven of New Orleans’ 38 games, with the team struggling to a record of 2-5 while he is on the court and an alarming 5-26 when he is not.
In a statement, the 24-year-old Williamson expressed regret for his actions and took full responsibility for his one-game suspension. He emphasized his commitment to rehabilitation and his desire to contribute positively to the team. He apologized to team owner Gayle Benson, his teammates, coaches, and the fans, vowing to improve as a teammate and member of the Pelicans.
Williamson recently displayed his athletic prowess with a spectacular dunk during a game against the Minnesota Timberwolves. This moment marked his comeback from a lengthy 27-game injury hiatus, showcasing his skills with a thrilling 360-degree dunk. In that match, he also recorded six rebounds, four assists, three steals, and a block against Rudy Gobert of the Timberwolves. Following that performance, however, he was ruled out for the subsequent game against Portland for rest, leading to his withdrawal against the 76ers as well.
The Pelicans will face further challenges on Friday as they will also be without forward Herb Jones, known for his defensive abilities. Jones has been diagnosed with a posterior labrum tear in his right shoulder, which will keep him sidelined indefinitely. This injury was confirmed after he underwent an MRI on Thursday, following his early exit from the loss against Portland.
Earlier in the season, Jones had already missed 18 games due to a similar injury before returning to play and starting 16 consecutive matches. Over the course of 20 games this season, he has averaged 10.3 points, 3.9 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and 1.9 steals, playing around 32.4 minutes per game.
As the Pelicans prepare for their next game against Boston on Sunday, the team is focusing on overcoming these obstacles, with executive vice president David Griffin highlighting the importance of Williamson’s commitment to the organization. Griffin expressed confidence in Williamson’s ability to learn from this experience and grow positively both on and off the court.
