Zion Williamson addressed his absence from back-to-back games, clarifying his stance on the decision.
In a recent statement, Williamson said, per Will Guillory, “Let me make this clear to everybody out there. If I could play in the back-to-backs, I would. 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.”
The 24-year-old forward, who has been limited to just 13 games this season, emphasized that the decision is not his alone. While he feels physically capable of playing, the New Orleans Pelicans’ medical staff has opted to manage his workload carefully. Williamson’s health has been a key focus after injury struggles in the past few seasons.
Williamson is currently averaging 23.6 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 5 assists in 28.5 minutes per game. Despite his impressive individual numbers, the Pelicans have faced challenges this season with him Brandon Ingram missing significant number of games. New Orleans sits near the bottom of the Western Conference standings with a 12-36 record, a far cry from their expectations coming into the season.
The Pelicans have been cautious with Williamson’s usage, particularly in back-to-back situations, to ensure he remains healthy for the long term. His history of injuries has made the team take a conservative approach to his playing time. The organization’s focus on managing his minutes during back-to-backs is aimed at preventing further setbacks.
