Pelicans beat reporter implies Zion Williamson was skipping rehab sessions

New Orleans Pelicans beat reporter Jake Madison revealed how poorly the Zion Williamson situation is being handled — and how Zion is partially to blame.

The Pelicans remain at the bottom of the Western Conference, underneath the rubble of what’s already a collapsed season. The Pelicans have an 8-21 record, and the player expected to turn things around for them, Zion Williamson, is nowhere in sight.

Williamson experienced a setback this weekend when medical imaging revealed that the bone in his fractured foot was actually getting worse.

“After experiencing persistent soreness in his right foot, Zion Williamson underwent medical imaging which showed a regression in the bone healing of his fifth metatarsal,” the Pelicans said in a statement Saturday. “As a result, the volume and intensity of his training will be reduced for an extended period to help allow for further bone healing.”

The soreness began on Dec. 2, when Williamson was supposed to return to the court for full-team drills. Williamson faces an indefinite return as he waits for the next set of medical imaging.

According to Locked On Pelicans host Jake Madison, the Zion Williamson situation is “everyone’s fault.”

Williamson absolutely needs to grow up and act more professional,” Madison said. “He has a TON of blame in this. At the same time, clearly, the Pelicans did not handle the relationship with his camp well at all or his previous injuries.”

Pelicans fans began to debate about whether or not anything could be blamed on Williamson — after all, he doesn’t have control over how quickly his bone heals. But Madison noted that Williamson’s lack of professionalism has certainly affected how his healing process has progressed.

Williamson reportedly skipped rehab workouts and fell asleep during a film session last week.

Zion Williamson under fire for ‘lack of professionalism’ as he skips rehab, falls asleep during film sessions

Williamson’s injury was a result of an intense summer workout, which was a result of Williamson feeling the pressure to get in better shape as one of the league’s best potential power forwards.

Potential is the operative word as Williamson has only played 85 games in three seasons.

While the Pelicans seem to have made missteps with the Williamson camp, Williamson shares blame for failing to be adequately prepared for work. Skipping rehab and falling asleep during film sessions is not why New Orleans is paying Zion over $10 million this year.