Pelicans' Zion Williamson out for Rest of NBA Summer League with Knee Injury
The New Orleans Pelicans announced Saturday that Zion Williamson will not participate in the remainder of the NBA Summer League after suffering a bruised left knee against the New York Knicks on Friday.
Pelicans executive vice president of basketball operations David Griffin said the decision was made in an "abundance of caution."
Williamson did not play during the second half of Friday's game, which was suspended in the fourth quarter because of an earthquake.
Although he played just nine minutes, Williamson finished with 11 points on 4-of-9 shooting with three rebounds Friday.
New Orleans' safe approach is understandable for multiple reasons. Firstly, the Pelicans invested heavily in Zion as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2019 NBA draft, so there is little logic in pushing him to play if he is experiencing even the slightest issue.
Also, Williamson missed time at Duke last season with a right knee sprain, so he does have some history when it comes to knee injuries.
Zion's current injury doesn't appear to be anything to worry about, as ESPN's Cassidy Hubbarth reported Friday that it is "not expected to be serious."
Williamson is already an NBA superstar even before appearing in a regular-season game, as he was named the National College Player of the Year as a freshman at Duke by virtue of averaging 22.6 points, 8.9 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 2.1 steals and 1.8 blocks per game, while shooting 68.0 percent from the field.
Zion is part of a new-look Pelicans team that could be among the most talented and exciting young squads in the NBA.
In addition to drafting Williamson, the Pelicans acquired Brandon Ingram, Lonzo Ball and Josh Hart in the trade that sent Anthony Davis to the Los Angeles Lakers. New Orleans also reportedly acquired big man Derrick Favors in a trade with the Utah Jazz, signed shooting guard JJ Redick and landed center Jaxson Hayes in the first round of the draft.
The Pelicans have a roster capable of making a playoff run next season, and making sure Williamson is healthy is the best way to preserve that possibility.
