The New Orleans Pelicans introduced on Monday that each Zion Williamson and CJ McCollum will miss the rest of the 2024-25 NBA season resulting from accidents. Williamson, coping with a bone contusion in his decrease again sustained on March 19 in a sport in opposition to Minnesota, and McCollum, who suffered a proper foot contusion on March 23 throughout a loss to Detroit, will each deal with relaxation and therapy for his or her recoveries.
This marks one other injury-plagued season for Williamson, who has been sidelined a number of occasions all through his profession. The previous No. 1 total choose finishes the season with simply 30 video games performed, persevering with a troubling pattern of missed time. Over six seasons, Williamson has solely surpassed 30 video games performed twice, together with his greatest being 70 video games within the 2023-24 season. This 12 months, he averaged 24.6 factors, 7.2 rebounds, and 5.3 assists per sport when wholesome. Regardless of his on-court effectiveness, his harm points have severely restricted his availability.
McCollum, who has additionally struggled with accidents, performed in 56 video games this season, averaging 21.1 factors and 4.1 assists. The 34-year-old guard’s harm is one other setback for the Pelicans, who’re already eradicated from playoff rivalry. McCollum is within the closing 12 months of his contract and can seemingly be trying to recuperate totally for subsequent season.
The Pelicans, with a 21-54 report, presently sit close to the underside of the league standings, vying for the absolute best draft place. Accidents have taken a toll on the group this season, with key gamers like Trey Murphy III (torn labrum), Dejounte Murray (Achilles), and Brandon Ingram (sprained ankle) additionally lacking vital time. The group now faces the rest of the season with a number of key gamers unavailable, and hopes to land a excessive draft choose within the upcoming lottery.
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