As the New Orleans Pelicans navigate the tumultuous waters of the current NBA season, they find themselves challenged not only by their opponents but by the relentless wave of injuries sweeping through their roster. At the center of these woes is Zion Williamson, a player who has undoubtedly been a cornerstone for the team's aspirations, yet finds himself on the sidelines since November 6, grappling with a strained left hamstring.
Zion Williamson's Struggles
Williamson's impact on the Pelicans is abundantly clear, as reflected in the team's performance with and without him. In the six games he managed to play this season, Williamson put up formidable numbers, averaging 22.7 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 5.3 assists per game, all over an average of 31.1 minutes. However, the Pelicans' record starkly contrasts when comparing those games with his presence to the games in his absence: a 2-4 record with Williamson on the court versus a dismal 2-14 without him.
The plight of Williamson's injury has not dampened the spirits of Pelicans head coach Willie Green. Expressing optimism about his star player's recovery, Green stated, "Getting better and better. He's progressing." This beacon of hope comes with the anticipation of a further examination of Williamson in approximately two weeks, a timeline that looms crucial for the Pelicans as they seek to reverse their fortunes.
Additional Injuries and Their Impact
The Pelicans' struggles this season are not solely defined by Williamson's absence. Brandon Ingram, another key figure, has been absent for five consecutive games due to right plantaris tendonitis. Alongside him on the injury list is Herb Jones, who has not played since October 29, suffering from a right shoulder strain. Fortunately for Pelicans fans, both Ingram and Jones are making significant strides in their recoveries. "They had a good practice today. They went through a full practice, full contact," Green reported, a promising sign for the team that desperately needs their firepower back on the court for upcoming clashes, such as against the Phoenix Suns.
Jose Alvarado is another player on the mend, dealing with a strained left hamstring. His situation mirrors Williamson’s path back to health, with a reevaluation slated for about two weeks' time. Previous seasons have shown Alvarado as a reliable contributor off the bench, making his absence felt keenly by the coaching staff.
The Road to Recovery and Challenges Ahead
The Pelicans' lineup has felt the sting of unremitting setbacks, with Jordan Hawkins adding to the list of casualties. Hawkins has been nursing lower back soreness, which, upon examination, was diagnosed as a lumbar spine annular fissure. The compounded effect of these injuries is apparent in the Pelicans' disheartening road performance, which currently holds as the worst in the league with a 1-11 record. Moreover, they find themselves 7.5 games behind the 10th place San Antonio Spurs—a gap that seems to widen with each game played without their key players.
As the Pelicans work tirelessly towards regaining their stride, the next few weeks stand critical. The potential return of Zion Williamson and the hopeful reintroduction of Brandon Ingram and Herb Jones could herald a turnaround for the franchise. Until then, the Pelicans must continue to navigate this stormy season with resolute determination, clinging closely to the optimism expressed by Coach Green and the gradual recovery of their sidelined stars.