New Orleans Pelicans executive vice president of basketball operations David Griffin dropped a bomb on Media Day, announcing that superstar Zion Williamson underwent right foot surgery in the offseason. Williamson suffered a fractured foot before Summer League but is expected to return for the start of the regular season.
Here's video of Griffin delivering the news:
David Griffin on Zion's injury update#Pelicans pic.twitter.com/5WjdV0VpVe
— New Orleans Pelicans (@PelicansNBA) September 27, 2021
While Griffin tried to spin this to make it more positive because of the hope that Zion will be back for the regular season, it's hard to be anything but negative about this given all the rumors of drama involving Williamson and the Pelicans. The phenom also already has a pretty lengthy injury history, with health issues during his rookie campaign playing a part in the drama with the franchise.
Of course, the Pelicans have to spin this and hope for the best. They have a lot riding on Williamson's broad shoulders, and this upcoming season is a big one for them after a disappointing 2020-21 campaign. While there's no evidence that Zion will be requesting a trade soon, another season full of struggles wouldn't help the franchise's cause when it comes to keeping him for the long haul.
There is a good amount of talent in place with Williamson and Brandon Ingram leading the way. Lonzo Ball is gone, but Devonte' Graham is a solid replacement at point guard. The Pelicans also brought in an upgrade at center in Jonas Valanciunas.
Let's just hope that Zion suffers no setbacks and is indeed ready for the start of the season.
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