Pelicans' VP David Griffin: Zion Williamson expected to miss more time after All-Star break

Zion Williamson is one of the most spectacular players in the NBA, when he can stay healthy and he’s on the basketball court. However, staying healthy and on the floor have been problematic for the young superstar during his first few years in the league. He’s been dealing with a lingering right hamstring strain that has kept him out the past 20 games and unfortunately, he recently reaggravated the injury and he’ll have to miss “multiple weeks” after the All-Star break, according to New Orleans Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations, David Griffin. He made the announcement in a press release on Sunday afternoon. The former Duke star will be re-evaluated once the team gets back from the All-Star break.

Williamson initially injured the hamstring on Jan. 2 at Philadelphia, but now the franchise will have to wait a number of weeks for his return. The exact length of time for the former Duke star’s return is unclear at this point. “I think we’re looking at multiple weeks past All-Star break (that Williamson will be sidelined),” Griffin said. What that looks like in terms of (exact) timeline (for his return), I really can’t tell you.”

The injury setback is frustrating news for the Pelicans organization, but Williamson has gotten his physique in supreme shape this year and put-up spectacular numbers when he’s been healthy. The electrifying playmaker has been averaging 26.0 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 4.6 assists. Against the Toronto Raptors on November 30th, Williamson stuffed the stat sheet with 33 points, 10 rebounds, five assists, four steals, and two blocks.

It’ll just take some time to see how the hamstring injury heals, as those types of injuries can be particularly nagging for athletes. The Pelicans are smart to be cautious with him, but it’s certainly got to be frustrating for everybody involved.

Williamson, the consensus No. 5 recruit in the 2018 class, went on to play one season at Duke, averaging 22.6 points, 8.9 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game. He was named the Consensus National Player of the Year during the 2018-19 season, leading the Blue Devils to an NCAA Tournament Elite Eight appearance.

Simon Gibbs also contributed to this article.