Zion Williamson missed the last five Pelican games with a low bone bruise, while CJ McCollum missed the previous three with a bone contusion on a right foot. With the Pélicans out of any pursuit in the playoff series, no one expected them to come back this season.
On Monday evening, the Pelicans made this official, announcing that the duo “will miss the rest of the 2024-25 season because of their respective injuries”. The 21-54 Pélicans have seven games to play.
Sion only played in 30 games this season due to a tension in the hamstrings and an assortment of other injuries, including the current lower back. When he played, Sion looked like an All-NBA force, with an average of 24.6 points, 7.2 rebounds and 5.3 aids a match (and it came with a restriction of many nights.
The big question is If the Pelicans will make Zion available via trade this offseason. If they do, a number of teams will be interested in giving bet a new environment (and coaches) can unlock Zion’s health and potential.
McCollum has played in 56 games this season, with an average of 21.1 points per game and a shooting of 37.3% out of 3. New Orleans should see if there is a commercial market for McCollum and its contract expired by $ 30.7 million for next season, but how many markets for 33 years at this price remains to be seen.
