Zion Williamson told reporters he is finding it tough to deal with his restricted minutes as the New Orleans Pelicans fight to keep their playoff hopes alive.
What We Know:
- On Friday, Pelicans’ Vice President David Griffin spoke to the media about Zion’s minutes restriction and their plans for the rookie star. Griffin claimed that it’s going to take a few games before Williamson will be playing normal minutes.
David Griffin provides an update on Zion: pic.twitter.com/9LSHbmk19T
— New Orleans Pelicans (@PelicansNBA) July 31, 2020
- Zion missed the first half of the season after undergoing knee surgery and the Pelicans were very cautious with his return from rehab. The Pelicans have also been persistent and choose to not take any more risk with Zion.
- Zion played a combined 29 minutes in the Pelicans opening two start games against the Utah Jazz (106-104) and the Los Angeles Lakers (126-103).
- On Sunday, Zion was asked by reporters how he is coping with his limited playing time and spending short bursts on the court. “It is very tough, to be honest,” he said. “As soon as I start to break a sweat, I look over and that horn is for me and I have to come out of the game. When I catch the flow of the game, that horn goes off and it is for me.”
- The Pelicans have been noticeably struggling since the restart. Their opening two performances have been turnover filled and the team have been uncharacteristically clunky on off offense.
With Zion under restriction and the Pelicans’ early struggles, the team’s chances are becoming more and more of a challenge. Hopefully, Zion can get the clearance he deserves in order to help his team.
