The New Orleans Pelicans have one of the most promising and exciting young rosters in the NBA, but there has been one thing holding them back from realizing their true potential.
Forward Zion Williamson, whom most agree is their best player, simply cannot stay healthy.
He has been out for more than two months with a hamstring injury, and he has suited up for just 29 games so far this season.
Former NBA player and current ESPN analyst Kendrick Perkins says the Pelicans should do the seemingly unthinkable — trade Williamson.
"I would trade him. I would actually trade Zion."@KendrickPerkins thinks the Pelicans should move on from their star in the offseason 😳
(via NBA Today) pic.twitter.com/Gbt8pj0tyk
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) March 22, 2023
Perkins’ argument is that the team simply cannot trust him to be available on a consistent basis and thus be their franchise player.
Williamson missed all of last season with a Jones fracture in his right foot, and he played in just 24 games as a rookie because of a meniscus injury.
When he has been healthy, however, he has undeniably been a force.
Since coming into the NBA, he has put up career numbers of 25.8 points and 7.0 rebounds a game while shooting an incredible 60.5 percent from the field.
When he wheels into the paint, he is just about unstoppable because of his massive 6-foot-6, 284-pound frame.
At one point early this season, the Pelicans had one of the best records in the entire NBA, but they’re now in 12th place in the Western Conference and are in danger of missing the playoffs.
They have lost 10 of their last 16 games, and one has to question their incentive to reach the postseason at this point.
NEXT: NBA Fans React To Today's Zion Williamson News
