NBA Rumors: Kyrie Irving-Lakers pitch, Andrew Wiggins return, Zion Williamson drama
By Kristen Wong
NBA Rumors: Zion Williamson issues went deeper than his hamstring injury
New Orleans Pelicans star Zion Williamson’s season has taken a downspin ever since he hurt his hamstring in January.
That injury was enough to sideline Williamson for what would turn into a months-long absence, but on top of that, Williamson reportedly gained weight during his time off the court, according to NOLA’s Christian Clark.
Zion was never medically cleared to play after he injured his hamstring. For anyone who watched closely, it was clear he was out of shape. Asked about Zion’s availability issues, David Griffin said, “I think a big part is on him.” https://t.co/Q7AudE18Cl
— Christian Clark (@cclark_13) April 14, 2023
Williamson suffered setback after setback that ultimately led to his and the Pelicans’ season getting cut short. On Wednesday, the Pelicans lost to the Oklahoma City Thunder in the play-in tournament, and Williamson was sidelined because “he did not receive medical clearance.”
Pelicans executive vice president David Griffin made some marked comments on Williamson’s absence, saying he was “playing 1-on-none. He went up and windmill-dunked pre game. That’s not the skill set that makes you capable of playing 5-on-5 basketball.”
It’s unclear whether Williamson was declared physically unfit to play because of his injury or because of his alleged weight gain. He did struggle to stay in shape early in his NBA career, and it’s possible his weight issues have complicated his rehab process from his various injuries.
Whatever the underlying problem is, here’s hoping for Williamson’s swift and full recovery.
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