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[Saba Sports News] Zion Williamson may be back from injury, but his relationship with the New Orleans Pelicans still appears strained.
Speaking with reporters at practice on Thursday, the Pelicans star forward addressed his current health status, making it clear that he is physically capable of playing back-to-back games but is being held out by the team.
“Let me make this clear to everybody out there. If I could play in the back-to-backs, I would,” Williamson said. “Physically? Yes, I can. But I work for the Pelicans. They have decided that, based off the numbers, it’s not smart to do that right now. If that’s what they feel, I’m rocking with them on that. But yes. If I could play in a back-to-back, I would.”
Williamson’s comment, particularly the “But I work for the Pelicans” line, carried a tone of frustration. Given his extensive injury history—including missing over two months earlier this season with a hamstring issue—the Pelicans are likely being cautious.
However, with a disappointing 12-36 record and Williamson having played fewer than 200 games since being drafted in 2019, his desire to be on the court contrasts with the team’s cautious approach.
Tensions between Williamson and the Pelicans have been well-documented, with reports of friction surfacing over the years. The 24-year-old was recently suspended by the team due to repeated tardiness, adding another layer to the ongoing disconnect.
With the NBA trade deadline just a week away and rumors swirling that the Pelicans are open to moving Williamson, this latest development only fuels speculation about his future in New Orleans.