New Orleans Pelicans star Zion Williamson missed the entire 2021-22 NBA season due to a right foot injury, and he’s also battled weight issues (to go with mental health battles). He showed up to camp in fantastic shape, and he’s impressed in NBA preseason action.
However, Williamson had an apparent setback on Wednesday.
The Pelicans announced that Williamson exited Wednesday night’s preseason game against the Miami Heat with left ankle soreness.
The hope is that this is just a precautionary move and not a serious injury. If there’s any question whatsoever about a player’s health in the preseason, it’s a no-brainer to sit the player out.
And when it comes to Williamson with his recent health history, the Pelicans are of course going to be extra cautious with their franchise star.
Williamson — the No. 1 overall pick of the 2019 NBA Draft — had 11 points (3-of-7 on field goals, 5-of-6 on free throws), four assists, and two rebounds over 11 minutes played in the first half. He didn’t play in the second half.
The 22-year-old was an All-Star in the 2020-21 season, averaging 27.0 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 4.5 assists, to go with a 27.1 Player Efficiency Rating that ranked fourth in the NBA.
On July 6, the Pelicans announced that they’d agreed to a five-year, $193-million maximum rookie extension with Williamson (the deal could earn him as much as $231 million).
Update: Pelicans head coach Willie Green says that Williamson “is doing fine” and is viewed as day-to-day.
About Matt Clapp
Matt is an editor/writer at The Comeback and Awful Announcing.
He can be reached by email at mclapp@thecomeback.com.