The New Orleans Pelicans (7-31) have had a rough season with injury after injury in an unforgiving Western Conference.
Management is dealing with Brandon Ingram and his contract/trade situation off the court.
The last thing this organization needs is an oft-injured franchise player making things more difficult, but that’s what Zion Williamson is doing.
The organization announced that Williamson was suspended for Saturday night’s game against the Philadelphia 76ers because he was late for the team’s flight.
“This one game suspension is a result of failing to meet our team standards,” said Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations David Griffin. His dedication to this organization is of paramount significance to us and to him. He has taken accountability for his actions and reaffirmed that commitment to the team today. I’m confident he will continue to evolve positively on and off the floor.”
Williamson continues to be a disappointment. Not only has he not been healthy enough to impact the organization, but this is the latest thing with him. Whether it’s been his weight, off-the-court life, or doing something as simple as being on time, Williamson has failed to exhibit the leadership that a potential superstar needs to show.
“I take full responsibility for this suspension,” said Williamson. 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 Mrs. 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.”
The apology means nothing. After getting a haul from the Los Angeles Lakers and drafting Williamson, the Pelicans haven’t shown that they can compete with the top of the Western Conference over an entire season, nevertheless, for the extended period that many thought they would achieve when this roster was put together.
There are real questions about whether Williamson will ever be the player the NBA thought he would be. When healthy, he’s shown that he can be one of the best players in the NBA, but he hasn’t been able to stay healthy over an extended period.
