The New Orleans Pelicans have realized they cannot depend on Zion Williamson to remain wholesome. This week, they realized they cannot even depend on him to point out up for a flight on time.
The Pelicans suspended Williamson for Friday’s sport with the Philadelphia 76ers after he confirmed up considerably late for the staff’s flight on Thursday. Williamson apologized to his teammates and to proprietor Gayle Benson, releasing an announcement that mentioned partly:
“There isn’t a excuse for being late to staff actions. I’ve apologized to Mrs. Benson and my teammates and coaches and I additionally owe an apology to the followers. I can and can be higher as a teammate and member of this group.”
However based on insider Chris Haynes, it is not the primary time Williamson has been late this season. The one-game suspension isn’t merely as a result of flight, however to a number of practices the place Williamson additionally confirmed up late.
Because the Pelicans chosen Williamson with the No. 1 total choose in 2019, there have been persistent questions in regards to the All-Star ahead’s habits and dedication. In 2021, Pelicans beat author Jake Madison reported that Williamson frequently skipped rehab classes for a foot damage that ended up costing him the whole season, whereas additionally falling asleep in movie classes.
At that very same time, insiders reported that Williamson’s weight had ballooned to 330 kilos attributable to poor food plan and inconsistent exercises. That is effectively above his listed taking part in weight of 284 kilos.
This week, Williamson seemed fairly wholesome in his first sport of the sequence, scoring 22 factors and throwing down spectacular dunks within the Pelicans’ 104-97 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Now that his well being is not a problem for now, the Pelicans have to fret as soon as once more about Williamson’s mindset. Accidents are comprehensible. Persistent tardiness isn’t.
