Zion Williamson will not play in the New Orleans Pelicans' Matchup against the Philadelphia 76ers on Friday evening, The team announced this hours before the game. Williamson was suspended one game for a violation of team policy.
He was late for the team flight to Philadelphia on Thursday. ESPN's Shams Charania reportswhile Chris Haynes added that Williamson was late for several training sessions throughout the season. However, Pelicans coach Willie Green did not elaborate confirmed During his pre-match press conference, he said: “There were several occasions that led to this. That’s how we came to this decision.”
“This one-game suspension is the result of a failure to adhere to our team standards,” David Griffin, the Pelicans’ executive vice president of basketball operations, said in a statement. “His commitment to this organization is of the utmost importance to us and to him. He has taken responsibility for his actions and reiterated that commitment to the team today. I am confident that he will continue to develop positively on and off the field.”
Due to a serious hamstring injury that sidelined him for two months, Williamson was only able to play seven games this season. He only returned to action against the USA on December 7th Minnesota Timberwolvesbut sat out the Dec. 8 matchup with the Portland Trail Blazers on the second evening of a consecutive night.
“I take full responsibility for this suspension,” Williamson said. “I worked extremely hard in rehab to get healthy so I could perform for this team. There is no excuse for being late to team activities. “I have apologized to Mrs. Benson and my teammates and coaches, and I also owe the fans.” I can and will be better as a teammate and member of this organization.
Williamson's suspension is the latest bad news in a brutal season in New Orleans. No player has appeared in every game this season and Williamson is it one of seven key characters who missed at least 15 games, including Brandon Ingram, Dejounte MurrayTrey Murphy, Herb Jones, Jordan Hawkins And Jose Alvarado
Due to their injury crisis and especially Williamson's extended absence, the Pelicans are in last place in the Western Conference at 7-31.
