Despite a less-than-stellar finish to the 2022-23 NBA regular season, the New Orleans Pelicans‘ hopes for a deep playoff run remain alive, with the team clinching a spot in the Play-in Tournament to face the Oklahoma City Thunder on Wednesday night.
The Pelicans were projected to be one of the better all-around teams in the Western Conference this season after an impressive showing in the playoffs last year.
The team hoped for the return of a healthy Zion Williamson, which could give them a considerable boost and possibly the distinction as a legitimate title contender.
Unfortunately, injuries have become a problem for Williamson again this year, and it appears it has gone deeper than physical health as the rising star is reportedly dealing with mental roadblocks to his return to the floor via Andrew Lopez of ESPN.
Zion Williamson admits there are mental hurdles preventing his return to the court.
Said he’ll return when he feels like Zion again and doesn’t want to hesitate on the court and hurt the team in any way.
More on his comments today: https://t.co/SJBiSMrgQY
— Andrew Lopez (@_Andrew_Lopez) April 11, 2023
This is another unfortunate setback for Williamson and a significant concern for the Pelicans moving forward.
It has begun to resemble Ben Simmons’ situation with the Philadelphia 76ers and then the Brooklyn Nets.
Mental health issues have been getting revealed more and more in professional sports, with athletes making admissions like Williamson has.
The real question moving forward is whether Williamson will ever get back to feeling comfortable on the floor and, if that happens, if he can stay healthy enough to help this promising young team led by Brandon Ingram reach its true potential.
It’ll be interesting to see what happens with this situation moving forward and if Williamson returns in the playoffs if the Pelicans advance.
NEXT: Fans Left Stunned By Latest Zion Williamson Injury Report
