I Think It's Over

When Zion Williamson was drafted first overall in 2019, he was being compared to some of the all-time great NBA draft prospects and he was supposed to be the next face of the NBA.

While Williamson has been that dominant player we expected, we just do not see it enough. Injuries have been the story of of Zion Williamson's career and it appears we have reached another set back. 

Williamson hasn't played since November 6th due to a hamstring injury, and according to top NBA insider Shams Charania, the Pelicans forward is nowhere close returning from this latest injury.

For Zion and his fans, who have known of him since his high school days, it might now be time to face a harsh reality. Basketball enjoyers have been waiting for him to break out for years, but every time he makes progress, it seems like there is another step back just around the corner. The truth is, we have seen Williamson on the bench more than we have seen him on the floor throughout his six NBA seasons thus far, and that just sucks.

The frustrating part is that we know just how talented Zion is. He possesses a generational combination of size, speed, and athleticism, making him a nightmare for defenders across the league. However, his body seems to be working against him. While some of this can be attributed to his reported diet and training habits, he came into this season in the best shape of his life, and yet here we are again.

We have reached the point in Zion's career to now ask, how many disappointments an can a player endure before we have to acknowledge that they might never fulfil their potential as a superstar?

Personally, I no longer have faith or trust that Zion will reach his full potential. It's not that I don't believe in him—it's just that we have to face the reality that he struggles to stay he can't stay on the floor. Frankly, it's gotten to a point where it more surprising to see him on the floor than on the sidelines.

Lastly, for years, it has felt like there has been tension with Williamson and the Pelicans. With that, I think we have reached a tipping point. Clearly, there is mistrust on both sides, combined with the games missed and the mounting uncertainty about his return, I think this could be the last domino to fall.

Even if Zion still has the potential to lead a winning team, it might be time for him and the Pelicans to part ways. Both sides could benefit from a fresh start, allowing Zion to focus on his health and the Pelicans to start a new without the constant uncertainty around their best player.