Pelicans Face Struggles as Zion Williamson Serves Suspension
A Rough Season for the Pelicans
This season hasn't been kind to the New Orleans Pelicans. With a string of challenges already under their belt, Zion Williamson's recent one-game suspension has stirred up more chaos for the team. Despite Williamson's absence, the Pelicans managed to clinch a 123-115 win against the Philadelphia 76ers. But this victory doesn't overshadow the hurdles they've faced.
Zion's Repeated Tardiness Leads to Suspension
Williamson found himself benched after showing up late to the team flight—a recurring issue that's seen him tardy for practices throughout the season. Willie Green, the head coach, shed light on how these repeat offenses led to the suspension. David Griffin, the executive vice president of basketball operations, echoed this by stating, "This one-game suspension is a result of failing to meet our team standards." Williamson's dedication to the team stands paramount, and this incident is a setback he'd rather avoid.
Addressing the Consequences
Understanding the gravity of his actions, Zion spoke candidly about the suspension, taking full ownership. "I take full responsibility for this suspension. I've worked extremely hard in rehab to get healthy to deliver for this team. There is no excuse for being late to team activities," he admitted. He expressed his apologies to team owner Mrs. Benson, his teammates, coaches, and fans, assuring everyone of his commitment to improve as both a player and a teammate.
An Injury and Absence-Laden Season
The Pelicans' troubles don't end with Williamson's suspension. Zion has already spent much of the season on the sidelines, appearing in just seven games due to a serious hamstring injury. Following his return against the Minnesota Timberwolves on December 7, he sat out the next game against the Portland Trail Blazers, continuing a trend of erratic participation. Interestingly, no player on the Pelicans roster has appeared in every game this season, indicating an injury-prone lineup.
Brandon Ingram, Dejounte Murray, Trey Murphy, Herb Jones, Jordan Hawkins, and Jose Alvarado have all missed a considerable number of games. The team is further hampered by the announcement that Herb Jones will be out indefinitely with a posterior labrum tear in his right shoulder.
Current Standing and Future Challenges
Currently languishing at the bottom of the Western Conference with an 8-31 record, the Pelicans face an uphill battle. Amidst these setbacks, the road forward is fraught with challenges. However, the spirit of redemption shines through as Williamson commits to evolving positively. Griffin remains hopeful, saying, "I'm confident he will continue to evolve positively on and off the floor." The Pelicans will need both luck and resilience as they aim to steer their season back on track.