Zion Williamson will he (finally) be able to play the first playoff campaign of his career this year? Nothing is less certain, since we recall that he injured the hamstrings of his left leg during the “play-in” against the Lakers, the evening when he nevertheless had his best match with the Pelicans.
“ It was really demoralizing at first, I'm not going to lie…” recognize the one who says it took a day or two to get over it. “ The season was going so well, so it was really demoralizing for this to happen…”
“ It was super frustrating, especially at that time » then adds the interior. “ But my team and my teammates did the job and here we are in the playoffs, so it's always exciting. I'm excited for them and I hope I'll be able to get back on the floor. »
A week later, Zion Williamson continues to receive treatment to play again as quickly as possible with New Orleanswinner of Sacramento in the second round of the play-in and now battling with Oklahoma City in the first round (0-1 in the series, before Game 2 this Wednesday).
Should we rush back?
The problem is that the absence of the double All-Star was initially estimated to be at least two weeks and that meant a return for Game 5, in the best case scenario…
“ It's realistic, absolutely realistic. But like I said, I have to pass physical tests… And I hope to be able to get back on the floor » he declares, about his possible recovery.
As Zion Williamson previously suffered a hamstring injury in his right leg in early 2023, ultimately causing him to miss the rest of the campaign, he can claim that his injury this year ” is not like [celle de] last season » and that's good news for the Pelicans.
Except that the situation of the leader of New Orleans remains unclear and, for the moment, he must be content to encourage his teammates from the bench. Which gives him a feeling bittersweet » by dint of “ imagine yourself on the ground ” and eventually ” influence the game » as he can do when he is in good shape…
| Zion Williamson | Percentage | Rebounds | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season | Team | MJ | Min | Shots | 3pts | L.F. | Off | Def | Early | Pd | Party | Int | Bp | Ct | Pts |
| 2019-20 | NOP | 24 | 28 | 58.3 | 42.9 | 64.0 | 2.7 | 3.6 | 6.3 | 2.1 | 1.8 | 0.7 | 2.5 | 0.4 | 22.5 |
| 2020-21 | NOP | 61 | 33 | 61.1 | 29.4 | 69.8 | 2.7 | 4.5 | 7.2 | 3.7 | 2.2 | 0.9 | 2.7 | 0.6 | 27.0 |
| 2022-23 | NOP | 29 | 33 | 60.8 | 36.8 | 71.4 | 2.0 | 5.0 | 7.0 | 4.6 | 2.2 | 1.1 | 3.4 | 0.6 | 26.0 |
| 2023-24 | NOP | 70 | 32 | 57.0 | 33.3 | 70.2 | 1.7 | 4.1 | 5.8 | 5.0 | 2.3 | 1.1 | 2.8 | 0.7 | 22.9 |
| Total | 184 | 32 | 59.2 | 34.1 | 69.5 | 2.2 | 4.3 | 6.5 | 4.1 | 2.2 | 1.0 | 2.8 | 0.6 | 24.7 | |
How to read the stats? MJ = matches played; Min = Minutes; Shots = Successful shots / Attempted shots; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; Off = offensive rebound; Def=defensive rebound; Tot = Total rebounds; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost balls; Ct: Against; Pts = Points.
