Zion Williamson missed the New Orleans Pelicans’ 123-115 win over the Philadelphia 76ers Friday night, but it wasn’t because of injury. Instead, he stayed home serving a one-game suspension for violating team policies after he arrived late for the flight into Philly, per ESPN’s Shams Charania.
Tuesday against Minnesota was Zion’s first game back from two months on the sidelines with a strained hamstring. The Pelicans lost, but he dropped 22 points in 28 minutes and led the team with an +8 plus-minus. He was held out the next day versus Portland for injury management reasons, but fans and fantasy managers must have been surprised (then again, maybe not) when Charania’s report dropped early Friday evening.
Guard CJ McCollum poured 38 points to fuel the victory, but a bigger concern in New Orleans is Zion’s commitment and professionalism.
The New Orleans Pelicans Have Seen This Movie Already
Unfortunately, discipline issues have been a familiar theme in Williamson’s career, from tardiness to diet. Obviously he has taken excellent care of himself in order to get back on the court, but it sounds like other problems remain.
“There were several occasions that led up to this,” said coach Willie Green per Charania, “and that’s how we got to this decision.”
According to Charania’s report, the team spent a considerable amount of time waiting on him.
With Williamson’s injury history, amounting to 258 absences since he entered the league in 2019, the Pelicans can’t afford to have him out when healthy. Making $36.7 million in 2024-25, he has played just seven games. At 8-31, they need all the help they can get. A tanking franchise stills needs some excitement, something Williamson provided in his return with a 360-sledgehammer dunk.
Coming from the team rather than the league itself, the suspension indicates an organizational emphasis to keep Zion on track and on the court. Given that this behavior is apparently ongoing, based on Green’s comments, maybe they are not doing enough to manage the issue. First and foremost, they need Williamson focused and playing.
The Team Needs a Responsible Version of the now-healthy Zion Williamson Amidst Their Slew of Injuries
Following the suspension, the former Duke Blue Devil posted a statement taking at least nominal accountability.
“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. I have apologized to [Pelicans owner] Mrs. [Gayle] Benson and my teammates and coaches and I also owe an apology to the fans. I can and will be better as a teammate and member of this organization.”
Having fulfilled the one-game penalty, Williamson should be back in the starting five Sunday in Boston. And the Pels could use him.
In addition to Williamson (22.6 PPG), they have incurred a never-ending injuries to core producers. Forward Brandon Ingram (22.2 PPG), who has missed over a month, remained out Friday (ankle sprain). The same injury sidelined Trey Murphy (20.7 PPG) for a third straight game.
In a devastating blow, stellar defender Herb Jones is out indefinitely with a torn labrum (right shoulder) suffered Wednesday against the Trail Blazers. All three players can slide between small and power forward depending on matchup.
Those four, plus McCollum and point guard Dejounte Murray, have combined to miss 118 games not halfway through the season.
Pelicans Stretched Thin Vs Philadelphia 76ers
Lone starting big man against the 76ers, Yves Missi posted 9 points, 7 rebounds and 4 blocks in his 31st game across 37 appearances. Backup center Daniel Theis also got extra minutes off the bench, scoring 12 points to boost his 3.9 season average.
Tipoff saw the Pelicans take the floor without a traditional power forward, instead trotting out four guards in McCollum (6’3”), Dejounte Murray (6’6”), Jordan Hawkins (6’5”), and Javonte Green (also 6’5”) alongside Missi.
New Orleans got excellent contributions from the bench totaling 36 PTS, 15 REB and 14 AST. Murray accounted for 17, 10, and 6 and Hawkins scored 21.
Ingram and Murphy have a shot to play on Saturday, but the team is counting on Zion to show up ready to battle Jayson Tatum and the 27-11 Celtics.
