The New Orleans Pelicans got off to a very hot start this season, and at one point it looked like they even had a chance of finishing with the best record in the NBA’s Western Conference.
But they have fallen off since, and they’re currently clinging to the 10th spot in the West.
A big reason why they’ve been playing poorly has been injuries — specifically, the hamstring injury that has kept Zion Williamson out for over two months.
His rehab has progressed more slowly than hoped, and according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, he will miss at least two more weeks.
Zion Williamson (hamstring) will miss a minimum of two more weeks, Pels say.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) March 8, 2023
Injuries have been the bone of contention for Williamson in his four years as a pro.
He missed most of his rookie season with a torn meniscus, and after playing in 61 of 72 games the following year, he has appeared in just 29 contests since then, as he missed the entire 2021-22 campaign with a Jones fracture.
But when he has been healthy, he has been a force.
In 114 career games, he has averages of 25.8 points on 60.5 percent shooting and 7.0 rebounds per game, and he has shown the type of efficiency in the paint that is almost unprecedented.
When Williamson is healthy, the Pelicans are a dangerous team, as they also boast sharpshooter CJ McCollum and one of the better one-on-one scorers in the game in Brandon Ingram.
But a big part of their hopes of doing damage in the playoffs and competing for an NBA championship someday all hinge on the former Duke University star and whether he avoids more injuries.
NEXT: The Pelicans Could Make Unfortunate NBA History
