Back in 2019, the New Orleans Pelicans jumped at the chance to acquire Zion Williamson in the NBA Draft.
Now, a few years later, Williamson’s career has been filled with a few ups and many, many downs.
But just because he can’t stay healthy doesn’t mean Williamson isn’t an impressive and impactful player most of the time.
In fact, StatMuse has pointed out that among his classmates from 2019, Williamson is first in points per game and rebounds per game.
He is also fourth in assists per game as well as 10th in total points, 18th in rebounds, and 13th in assists.
Zion Williamson among the 2019 Draft Class:
1st in PPG 10th in PTS
1st in RPG 18th in REB
4th in APG 13th in AST pic.twitter.com/eXzB4iQRzq— StatMuse (@statmuse) June 16, 2023
This shows that Williamson is a terrifically talented star…when he can stay healthy.
The big problem is that he is continually slowed and stopped by problems with his body.
He only played 29 games last season, which was halted early due to another injury that he couldn’t shake.
This came on the heels of missing all of 2021-22 due to another foot problem.
Even his rookie season was abrupt because he got hurt: he only played in 24 games for that one.
Now the Pelicans are reportedly thinking about trading Williamson away because they simply cannot rely on him or his body.
Williamson came from a very crowded, promising rookie class.
He was the top pick, of course, and was closely followed by players like Ja Morant, RJ Barrett, De’Andre Hunter, Darius Garland, and others.
Since that draft, Williamson has been a big question mark.
Will he stay healthy long enough to have a substantial impact on his team and the league?
Or will he be one of the players in NBA history who was never able to reach his potential?
When will we see Williamson be a true force of nature on the court again?
NEXT:
Kendrick Perkins Says Pelicans Should Move On From Zion Williamson
