Former Duke star Zion Williamson's status takes unexpected turn with Pelicans

Former Duke Blue Devil and No. 1 wide prime Zion Williamson has experienced 1 of the astir unpredictable and tumultuous starts to his NBA career. Once regarded arsenic the second-best enlistee successful the federation by ESPN, Williamson took the assemblage hoops satellite by storm, often going viral for his thunderous dunks and adjacent for the infinitesimal erstwhile his footwear famously ripped during a game.

The erstwhile ACC Player of the Year was rapidly compared to erstwhile archetypal wide prime LeBron James. However, earlier his rookie season, Williamson underwent country to repair a torn close lateral meniscus successful his knee. The wounded was not conscionable a setback for Williamson, but a immense disappointment for the NBA world, particularly fixed his presumption arsenic 1 of the league's astir breathtaking young prospects. He was lone capable to play successful 24 games during his rookie season, averaging 22.5 points per game.

On Friday afternoon, it was announced that Williamson would beryllium suspended for 1 crippled by the New Orleans Pelicans owed to a usurpation of squad policies. According to ESPN's Shams Charania, the usurpation stemmed from Williamson arriving precocious to the team’s formation to Philadelphia.

Further reports revealed that this wasn’t the archetypal lawsuit of tardiness for Williamson. He has reportedly been precocious to respective practices arsenic well. The Pelicans anticipation that this punishment volition code Williamson’s caller struggles with discipline.

So acold this season, the 6-foot-6, 284-pound guardant has appeared successful conscionable 7 games. In those contests, helium is averaging 22.6 points and 30 minutes per game. When Williamson is connected the court, helium consistently gives the Pelicans everything helium has.

Once 1 of the biggest names successful the league, Williamson has since go a much obscure figure. If helium cannot adhere to squad rules and stay healthy, helium whitethorn go the NBA’s adjacent "what if" story.