Zion Williamson’s career in 85 games, over three years, is presented here.

THE LINE WASWrapped around the Thomas and Mack Center, Las Vegas. It was July 5, 2019. the debutOf Zion WilliamsonIt was there.

Fans were eager to see Williamson and the main event after watching the three first games. New Orleans PelicansTake on the New York KnicksHis former Duke teammate, RJ Barrett.

Williamson showed everyone why they were so excited about the NBA’s potential in no time.

Pelicans guard Trevonbluiett was fouled in the lane just before the end of the first quarter. Knicks centre Mitchell RobinsonKevin Knox was waiting for the ball when Bluiett flung the ball into the air. Bluiett suddenly flashed in front Knox, forcing Knox backwards to try to protect the ball.

Knox had to deal with the fact that Williamson was still present. Williamson saw the ball in Knox’s arms and seized it.

Knox fell to the ground as Williamson took the ball from Knox. Robinson looked back and realized that any attempt to block was futile.

Williamson took one step, launched two feet forward and hit the ground with his first dribble. To the delight of thousands, he flexed one arm while he backed away.

Williamson lasted less than three minutes during the second quarter and nine minutes overall. Halftime was when Williamson was announced by the team that he had sustained a bruised left knee. He would now be absent for the remainder of summerleague.

Before Williamson’s team could close the gap to their lead of 80-74, however, there was a 7.1-magnitude earthquakeIn the fourth quarter, play was suspended. The game was not resumed.

Williamson’s court stint was short-lived in what has now become a microcosmof his career.

Before it started, the Summer of Zion was closed. Nearly three years later, he’s played only 85 games in his three seasons. He has been dealing with a variety of injuries and received vague updates from the organization regarding his progress and timeline.

Several such updates have been offered by the Pelicans this season. Williamson is still out indefinitely following the offseason foot operation that kept him out of the season. He is “out indefinitely,” for Friday night’s game against the LA ClippersThe winner advances to the playoffs.

Williamson’s time here in New Orleans has been full of highlights but has also been clouded by questions about Williamson’s health, his devotion to the organization, as well as whether the team and its star player will ever get on the same page.

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• Oct. 5, 2019:Officials estimate that more than 10,000 people attended the intersquad scrimmage hosted by the Pelicans at Smoothie King Center. It was Williamson’s debut appearance in New Orleans.

• Oct. 7, 2019:Williamson finishes his preseason against the Thunder with 16 points, seven rebounds and 6-of-13 shooting. Atlanta Hawks.

• Oct. 9, 2019:Williamson finishes his preseason game with 29 points, going 12-of-13 from the floor. This is a glimpse at how efficient he can be. Chicago Bulls.

• Oct. 13, 2019:Williamson scored 22 points and grabbed 10 rebounds in Williamson’s fourth preseason game against the Philadelphia 76ers. San Antonio Spurs.

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THE PELICANS WEREThey were set to conclude the preseason with their fifth game against the Knicks. But as New Orleans moved from the Big Easy into the Big Apple, Williamson decided to stay behind to have imaging done on the sore right knee. The official team release concluded with “Further update will be made when available,” which would become a common theme.

Just 24 hours had passed before the Pelicans opened the 2019-20 NBA Season against the defending champions Toronto RaptorsThe team provided the promised update on national television.

“Zion Williamson successfully underwent arthroscopic surgery today to treat a torn left lateral meniscus. Dr. Jason Folk and Dr. Misty Suri performed the routine debridement. His full return to play is expected to take six to eight weeks.

New Orleans lost seven out of eight games it started, then went on a losing streak of 13 games to drop to 6-22.

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• Dec. 3, 2019:Williamson resumes on-court work six weeks after his surgery. He is now able to do light walk-throughs and spot-shooting.

• Dec. 25, 2019:Before the Pelicans’ Christmas match against the Denver NuggetsWilliamson says that he would have made his debut earlier if he could, but that he “trusts” the organization’s decision-making process.

• Jan. 2, 2020:Williamson is back in full-time practice

• Jan. 7, 2020:Williamson is participating in 5-on-5 work, his first since the preseason.

• Jan. 15, 2020:David Griffin, the Pelicans’ executive vice president of basketball operations, has announced that Williamson will make his home debut against the San Antonio Spurs on Jan. 22, just 13 weeks after the original surgery.

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THE VIBE INSIDEThe Smoothie King Centre was electrifying. The Pelicans were the ones who created a playoff-like atmosphereComplete with red T-shirts on each chair and 165 credentialed members of the media.

Williamson went calmly through his pregame routine smiling for the cameras and laughing with teammates. After a three month delay, Williamson was finally ready to make his NBA debut. He would not play normal minutes, but rather play in what was called “bursts” by the team.

The first burst went well. He missed one shot and received one assist. His second burst, in the second quarter of the game, was his first NBA point.

Nickeil Alexander-WalkerWilliamson was there to help him rebound after his short fadeaway. He maneuvered around Trey LylesAnd he snuck it in for his first official field goal.

Williamson managed to score five points in the first quarter, as well as four rebounds and four turns during the third quarter.

Then, there was the takeover.

His playmaking was the first. Williamson was trailing the Pelicans 97-87 with just 10 minutes remaining in the fourth quarter. He received assists on back to back plays. Josh HartThen to E’Twaun Moor. Next, the roof was almost torn off.

Williamson, who is not well-known for his shooting ability, hit a 3-pointer from above the key to reduce the Spurs’ lead by 99-94. Williamson lobbed over his next attempt. DeMar DeRozanAnd finished with a left-handed layup.

Williamson didn’t finish the latest burst, even though it was supposed to. Williamson drained a 3-pointer at the top of the key, as Nicolo Magli walked to the table. The Smoothie King Center burst into flames.

Williamson was again in the middle of the lane. Jakob PoeltlHe missed the layup, but he got his own rebound, and he put it back in to reduce the lead to three.

Another possession, another 3-pointer.

Alvin Gentry, Pelicans coach, called Melli to the table. Derrick FavorsTo check in, he walked to a table. Williamson was also there, and he too walked back towards the bench.

Williamson scored a 3-pointer on Williamson’s left wing to give the Pelicans a lead of just one point. LaMarcus Aldridge.

Williamson made history in just 188 seconds.

Williamson was finished with 5:23 remaining. Gentry said that Williamson was removed from the game after “the medical personnel stated that it was enough.” The Pelicans went on to lose121-117, falling at 17-28, four behind the eighth-place Spurs.

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• Jan. 26, 2020:Williamson scores his first double-double of the season with 21 points, 11 rebounds (seven offense) and the team’s win against the odds. Boston Celtics.

• Feb. 8, 2020:Williamson is out of a match against the Indiana PacersBecause of a sprained left foot.

• Feb. 11, 2020: Williamson is back on the court after a 31-point win against the Portland Trail Blazers. He followed that up with a 32 point game in Oklahoma City, which he lost to before the All-Star break.

• March 1, 2020 Williamson scored a season high 35 points at Staples Center against the odds. LeBron James, Anthony DavisThe Los Angeles Lakers.

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THE PELICANS WERE 3½ games back of the eighth seed in the Western Conference standings when the 2019-20 season restarted in Lake Buena Vista, Florida.

The franchise had a healthy sense of optimism that they could push for the playoffs. This could be through outright play-in or the new tournament.

The NBA invited 22 teams — the eight best teams from each conference as well as any team that is within six games of being the eighth seed — to Orlando. There was speculation that Williamson’s inclusion in the 22-team NBA roster was a move to make it more competitive. The Pelicans were invited to the first official restart, while six of their eight seeding rounds were on national TV.

Williamson looked especially fit as the team was getting ready for the return of play.

This was designed for this? pic.twitter.com/xdB0OMex35

— New Orleans Pelicans (@PelicansNBA) July 2, 2020

However, just one week after arriving in Orlando, Florida’s bubble, the team lost their minds. Williamson leftThe team requested that you attend to an urgent family matter.

Williamson was rumored to have suffered a hamstring injury, but it is not clear if Williamson needed to attend to an emergency in his family.

Sources told ESPN that Williamson didn’t look the same after he returned to Walt Disney World Resort for his 4-day COVID-19 quarantine.

Williamson did not play in the three-game preseason. The team monitored his minutes. He was only able to play 29 minutes in both of the Pelicans first two games. Williamson finished the second game with seven points. It was the first time Williamson has not scored at least 10 points in any of his 85 career games.

Williamson was unable to get on his feet and the Pelicans fell to 2-6 and did not make the playoffs. Williamson sat in the pen for three of his last four games.

Williamson declared, on the 13th of August, that the team was not in the playoffs. This statement came before the team’s last game of the season. “We didn’t achieve the goal that we set out to. However, the future is bright. This is a good starting point. We can build on it.”

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• Aug. 15, 2020:The Pelicans fire GentryAfter five seasons. He was a 175-225 coach and the only one in franchise history with a winning record (5-4).

• Oct. 21, 2020:Stan Van Gundy named head coachThe Pelicans.

• Nov. 16, 2020: The Pelicans trade Jrue HolidayTo the Milwaukee BucksFor a set of items, you can exchange Eric Bledsoe, George HillThree first-round picks (a 2020 Indiana first and unprotected 2025 and 2027 firsts).

• Nov. 20, 2020: The Bucks and Pelicans expand the Holiday tradeNew Orleans is acquiring Steven AdamsFrom the Thunder in return for George Hill, a protected pick in the first round and two future picks, in what turned into a four-team deal.

• Dec. 23, 2020:Williamson opened the regular season with 15 points, 10 rebounds and a win over Toronto Raptors. He then follows that up with 32 points against the Raptors and 14 rebounds. Miami HeatThe next game. With 18 points and 10 rebounds, he then had his third consecutive double-double in the game against Spurs.

• Jan. 13, 2021:Williamson missed a game against Clippers due an inconclusive test COVID-19. Williamson was able to return against the Lakers two days later.

• Feb. 12, 2021:Williamson scored a record 36 points against the Philadelphia Eagles, a record for Williamson’s career. Dallas MavericksWhile shooting 14-of-15 in the field.

• March 4, 2021Williamson’s right fifth toe irritation prevents him from playing against the Heat in the final game of the All-Star break.

• March 7, 2021Williamson will start the All-Star Game instead of Joel EmbiidAfter being placed in safety and health protocols, he was unable to attend the game. He plays for Team Durant for 14 minutes, scoring 10 points from 5-of-9 shooting, in a losing effort.

• April 26, 2021Williamson scored a record 39 points and grabbed 10 rebounds against the Denver Nuggets. The Mavericks defeated Williamson with 38 points.

• April 4, 2021Williamson is playing his final game for the season. After scoring 23 points, 12 rebound, seven assists, four steals and seven rebounds against the Celtics, Williamson has played his last game. Golden State Warriors.

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WILLIAMSON PLAYED IN61 of 72 games were played during the 2020-21 campaign. Two injuries forced him to miss extended periods of time due to his injury.

Williamson was injured in his right thumb and had to miss three games. Griffin later stated that Williamson would have missed no other games. Williamson continued playing because he wanted the opportunity to play with his teammates.

Williamson was hurt on May 4 as the Pelicans made a last push for the playoffs. He suffered a fractured left hand and it ended Williamson’s season.

Williamson appeared to have fractured his finger while trying to rebound against the Warriors center. Kevon Looney.

During the a 13-minute presserGriffin stated three days later that Williamson sustained the injury “over a time period”.

Griffin stated, “I’m really disappointed because this was avoidable.” “We informed the NBA by all means, including sending in film and speaking with everyone in basketball operations and the officials department, that Zion’s officiating style was going to cause him injury. He’s hurt because of Zion Williamson’s open season in the paint.

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• June 16, 2021: Van Gundy is firedAfter just one season with the Pelicans Griffin finished 31-41. Griffin stated to reporters that Griffin’s decision was not based on previous results. “This decision was made in accordance with our philosophical differences regarding how we will reach the next stage of our development.”

• July 26, 2021The Pelicans trade Adams and Bledsoe for the No. The Pelicans trade Adams, Bledsoe, the No. 10 overall pick in 2021 draft as well as a protected first-rounder 2022 from the Lakers to the Memphis GrizzliesFor Jonas ValanciunasThe No. 17 overall pick. They also exchange second-round picks. At No. 17: Trey Murphy, a forward from Virginia, was selected by the Pelicans.

• Aug. 2, 2021:The Pelicans sign a deal to trade their shipments. Lonzo BallFor more information, visit the Chicago Bulls Garrett Temple, Tomas SatoranskyA second-round pick.

• Aug. 2, 2021:New Orleans also acquired Devonte’ Graham that day in a signed-and-trade agreement with the Charlotte HornetsFor a lottery-protected pick in the first round. Williamson would be able to play more “Point Zion”, while Graham would still be able to serve as a point-guard and off-the ball catch-and-shoot threat.

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WHEN THE PELICANSGriffin opened the 2021-22 season by revealing that Williamson had sustained a fracture to his right foot during the offseason.

Williamson stated, “I feel like I was overdoing things when I was training.” “I thought that I had this massive chip on my shoulders, this boulder. It felt like I was chasing it every day, when it was happening. It was just a matter of time. It was a long process of healing. Every day we worked with the trainer and the team. It’s been great.

Williamson was reportedly injured and underwent surgery in July. However, the team never confirmed that Williamson had the surgery prior to the start of summer league which started on August 8. Williamson was not expected to miss the start, according to the Pelicans.

Griffin stated that Griffin had said Sept. 28 that Griffin’s timeline should allow him to return to the court in time for the season. We hope that this is the case. We would agree with that view. That’s what we believe it will look like.

Williamson responded confidently when asked if he expected to be back for the regular season.

Williamson stated that he expected to be back for “the first game.” “First official game, I would suggest.”

Williamson did not participate in the Pelicans’ inaugural official game. Or in any other game. Since that statement, he has not spoken with the media.

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• Oct. 14, 2021: The Pelicans announce Williamson will not be ready for the start of the regular season and instead will be reevaluated in two to 2½ weeks.

• Nov. 3, 2021:Charles Barkley, after a pregame video showing Williamson looking in poor shape, leaked. He said on TNT’s “Inside the NBA,” “Somebody’s got got to be a grown man down in that relationship and say “Yo, man. You got to get in form.”

• Nov. 9, 2020:After losing to the Mavericks, Valanciunas, Pelicans center, said that “We haven’t had Z this year.” [We’re]We are waiting patiently for him. We need him. He will be the key piece offensively and defensively. This is going to be a big game-changer.

• Nov. 16, 2021:Williamson has been cleared to practice one-on-one and contact. The record of the Pelicans stands at 2-13, which is second in the NBA.

• Nov. 26, 2021:Williamson has been cleared to play full basketball, as well as 4-on-4.

• Dec. 2, 2021:Williamson feels sore on the day he is scheduled to take part in his first full practice. The Pelicans, who are currently at 6-18 after a 32 point loss to Dallas Mavericks have dropped to 6-18.

• Dec. 11, 2021:Williamson’s training volume and volume are decreasing as he continues with his foot soreness.

• Dec. 16, 2021:Williamson gets an injection in his right foot to speed the healing of his broken bone.

• Jan. 6, 2022:The team has decided to keep Williamson’s rehab in New Orleans going and will have him continue with his treatment elsewhere. Adrian Wojnarowski, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported that Williamson was going to Portland.

• Feb. 8, 2022:The Pelicans trade guard for Portland Trail Blazers CJ McCollum. New Orleans sends Josh Hart and Satoransky to Portland.

• Feb. 12, 2022:McCollum tells TNT at the All-Star break that Williamson hadn’t spoken with him. Three days later, McCollum tells TNT’s Malika Andrews of his conversation with Williamson. after his comments.

• March 5, 2022Williamson has returned from Portland for his rehabilitation to join the team in New Orleans.

• March 22, 2022Williamson posted a short video on his Instagram account of him throwing the ball off the board, catching it, and then doing a between the-legs dunk. Williamson was not allowed to engage in such activities at the time. The Pelicans gave Williamson the green light to perform one-on-1 work the following day.

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MCCOLLUM MET WITHOn February 10, McCollum was interviewed by the New Orleans media and asked why the team was so appealing to him. McCollum immediately mentioned McCollum’s young talent.

“Have ya seen?” [Brandon Ingram]”Play lately?” He said.

Then, he was asked about Williamson.

McCollum stated, “Zion is actually in Portland right at the moment, ironically.”

McCollum was to be brought over from Portland to provide New Orleans with a trio. top-30 playersYou can also make up the difference by signing up in free agency. Finally, the Pelicans had their top-ranking guard to protect their All-Star forwards.

Problem was, they didn’t have any of their All-Star forwards.

Griffin said that Williamson had reacted “incredibly positively”, to the news of Williamson’s trade on February 10. He also stated that Williamson was frustrated that he wasn’t going to be there for McCollum’s debut.

Williamson was absent from the team for approximately two months before he returned in March. Lee Anderson, Williamson’s stepfather, says that he was inspired by the team’s enthusiasm for the play-in tournament.

Anderson stated that Anderson was eager to return and participate in what was happening. told The Jordy Culotta ShowApril 5, 2005 “He liked what Coach Green showed him. He loves New Orleans.

Multiple sources say that Williamson and the Pelicans have a divergent opinion on Williamson’s fitness to play. Williamson’s bone injury in his foot is still not healing well enough to be able to step on the court.

Anderson suggested this.

Anderson stated that the Pelicans staff are investing in Zion to get healthy and ready for the long haul. “But the long haul is something I have to wait for. In the short term, sometimes you just don’t know when you will be offered another opportunity.

Williamson’s condition level has been a concern throughout the entire process. These concerns have been present for years. His listed playing weight of 285lbs was not what he looked like when he arrived at media day.

ESPN was told by sources that Williamson is now closer than ever to his playing weight. He did this by conditioning as much as possible while not putting too much weight onto his foot.

Williamson worked with former Utah JazzWhile in Portland, Jasper Bibbs was the trainer. Bibbs was a Jazz player for several seasons before he joined LSU’s men’s basketball team last fall. ESPN sources said that Bibbs quit the team after his arrival and started working with Williamson later in the year.

Trajan Langdon, general manager of the Pelicans, visited Williamson and was inspired by what he saw.

Williamson began working with the Pelicans’ staff once he had returned to New Orleans. Slowly, he began to be able do one-on-one training. He worked out routinely under the guidance of Teresa Weatherspoon, an assistant coach.

Williamson’s second season showed the same explosiveness and skill that made him an All-Star. He finished around the rim with the same touch as his first two years.

The Pelicans maintain that Williamson isn’t ready for games. While he was able to finish the 3-on-3 training, he wasn’t yet ready for a debut. His status for any possible playoff game is unknown. The Pelicans keep their plans close to their chest.

Williamson is still trying to show that he is ready to play. Williamson had a few jaw-dropping leaps before the Pelicans’ game against the San Antonio Spurs. Windmills. 360s. However, it is unlikely that he will see the court unless New Orleans makes deep runs into the playoffs.

McCollum’s trade for Ingram was made in part in order to bring out Williamson’s best. Ingram and Williamson were paired with Ingram to create their own shots and provide spacing.

McCollum’s presence in the locker room gives the Pelicans more experience to support Ingram’s growing leadership. Williamson does not have to carry that much. He needs to be capable of playing.

McCollum stated that it was great to have McCollum around. McCollum said, “He changes the game. He changes a franchise. It’s a must-see TV show.”