Zion Williamson recently opened up about his one-game suspension by the New Orleans Pelicans. The star forward was sidelined due to missed practices and a failure to attend the team flight to Philadelphia. Williamson acknowledged the team’s decision and expressed his commitment to improving as both a player and leader.
When asked about reliability and accountability, Williamson emphasized his growth as a leader. “When the team enforces suspensions, it feels like they’re trying to send a message or set a standard,” he explained.
Williamson acknowledged that his actions have consequences, noting that the suspension was a natural outcome of his mistakes. He said, “This is my job, and they’re holding me accountable. All I can do is be better.”
As one of the league’s rising stars, consistency is key for Williamson. He recognizes that this extends beyond just his on-court play but includes his behavior off the court. “It’s about everything you do—on the court, off the court, and even when nobody’s watching,” Williamson shared.
Following the suspension, Williamson returned to the lineup and contributed to the Pelicans’ narrow loss to the Boston Celtics, finishing with 16 points, seven rebounds, and three assists. His presence on the floor was important for New Orleans, though they ultimately fell 120-119 in a tightly contested game.
Despite his absence, the Pelicans put up a strong fight against the Celtics, with Trey Murphy III leading the charge with 30 points. CJ McCollum added 26 points, and the team’s overall shooting efficiency—45.9% from three—kept them within reach. However, New Orleans struggled to overcome Boston’s dominance on the boards, as the Celtics out-rebounded them 55-42.
The Pelicans’ 8-32 record highlights the team’s struggles this season, with injuries and inconsistent player availability hampering their progress.