The New Orleans Pelicans will be without their star forward, Zion Williamson, for their season opener against the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday night. Williamson, who was ruled out due to illness, was not in attendance for the game. Pelicans coach Willie Green expressed hope that Williamson will be able to rejoin the team when they begin a four-game West Coast trip in Portland on Oct. 25.
Williamson’s absence on Wednesday night marked his 207th missed regular season game in his injury-plagued pro career. While his health has been a concern throughout his career, he did play a career-high 70 games last season, averaging 22.9 points per game. In the 184 NBA games he has played, Williamson has averaged 24.7 points per game, showcasing his explosive scoring potential.
The Pelicans’ hopes for a successful season hinge on Williamson’s health and availability. He has been a dominant force when healthy, but his injury history has been a constant source of concern. With Williamson sidelined for the opener, the Pelicans will need other players to step up and fill the void.
Pelicans Injury Concerns
The Pelicans entered the season with injury concerns even before Williamson’s illness. Trey Murphy III, a key player for the team, suffered a hamstring strain during practice, costing him his entire training camp and preseason. This injury sidelined him for the season opener and possibly a few more games. Murphy III has signed a four-year, $112 million contract extension with the Pelicans, demonstrating their faith in his long-term potential.
Dejounte Murray, another important acquisition for the Pelicans, missed practice due to personal reasons. He was listed as questionable for the season opener, but Coach Green expressed optimism about his availability.
Finally, Jose Alvarado was added to the injury report with a right knee contusion, classified as day-to-day by the Pelicans.
While none of these injuries are expected to keep the players out for extended periods, the Pelicans starting the season with potentially four rotation players down isn’t a promising start. The team will need to build chemistry quickly and adapt to their new personnel to contend for a title.
Williamson’s Injury History
Williamson’s absence on Wednesday night underscores his history of injuries. He has missed 207 games in five NBA seasons due to various ailments, raising concerns about his long-term durability. His breakout 2023-24 season, where he played 70 games, provided a glimmer of hope, but his illness at the start of the 2024-25 season serves as a reminder of his vulnerability.
His 40-point performance in the Pelicans' loss to the Lakers in last year's play-in tournament was a testament to his immense talent, but his injury during that game highlighted his tendency to struggle with setbacks.
The Pelicans' Future Depends on Williamson's Health
The Pelicans' ambitions for the upcoming season will be heavily influenced by Williamson's health. The addition of Dejounte Murray, a talented all-around guard, has bolstered the roster, but the team's success depends on the consistent availability of their star forward. If Williamson can remain healthy, the Pelicans have a strong chance to contend for a Western Conference title. However, his injury history makes this a major question mark heading into the season.
The Pelicans will be hoping that Williamson's recent illness is a minor setback and that he can return to the court soon. While his injury history raises concerns, the Pelicans are hopeful that his recent health improvements will continue and that he will be a key factor in their success this season.
Zion Williamson's Time to Shine
The New Orleans Pelicans have an exciting roster filled with young talent and seasoned veterans. They have the potential to be a force in the Western Conference. With Williamson healthy, they can be a serious contender for a championship. However, his injury history is a major concern. It remains to be seen if he can stay healthy and help the Pelicans achieve their goals. It's time for Zion Williamson to step up and show everyone that he is the real deal. He has all the talent and potential to be one of the best players in the league. But he needs to prove that he can stay healthy and be a reliable player for the Pelicans. If he can do that, the Pelicans will be a force to be reckoned with.
