Pelicans star Zion Williamson will be sidelined once again.
The team announced on Monday that Williamson has sustained a Grade 1 left hamstring strain and will be re-evaluated in seven-to-10 days.
That means Williamson will miss at least the next four games — Charlotte on Tuesday, Dallas on Wednesday, San Antonio on Saturday, and Phoenix next Monday. And given his history, it wouldn’t be shocking if the absence stretches longer.
Hamstring issues are nothing new here. Per Will Guillory of The Athletic, Williamson has now missed time in each of his last four seasons because of hamstring trouble. He played just 30 games last season due to hamstring and back problems.
Williamson had been productive early with averages of 22.8 points, 6.8 boards, 4.6 assists and 2.0 steals per game. He also leads the NBA in free-throw attempts per night at 11.4. But the Pelicans are 0-6 and his strong stat line hasn’t translated into wins.
As Kevin O’Connor of Yahoo Sports pointed out, Williamson’s minus-9.0 net rating is actually one of the better marks on the roster. Without him, New Orleans has been outscored by a stunning 28.7 points per 100 possessions so far.
Head coach Willie Green said Monday the goal is to “turn the page.”
“Obviously we’re all disappointed, frustrated with our start,” Green told reporters. “But we continue to come in, work at it and address it.”
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