Zion Williamson is healthy. The Pelicans still won't have him in the lineup on Friday when they visit the 76ers.
That's because the star forward has been suspended one game by the team for what it describes as a violation of team policies.
“This one game suspension is a result of failing to meet our team standards," said GM David Griffin in a statement. "His dedication to this organization is of paramount significance to us and to him. He has taken accountability for his actions and reaffirmed that commitment to the team today. I’m confident he will continue to evolve positively on and off the floor.”
The suspension reportedly stems from a late arrival for the team's flight to Philadelphia ahead of Friday's game, according to a report from Shams Charania of The Athletic.
Zion is less than a week removed from a 22-point return in a loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves, with the star missing the prior 27 games due to a hamstring injury. The Pelicans went 4-23 in those games and sit at the bottom of the NBA standings at 7-31 overall. The season is shaping up to set a new low mark for the team since it became the Pelicans in 2013. Since that point the fewest wins the team has logged in any season is 30 in the COVID-shortened 2019-'20 season. The 2024 Pelicans are currently on a 15-win pace.
Williamson also did not play on Wednesday on Portland, the second night of a back-to-back set of games. The Pelicans lost 119-100.
“I take full responsibility for this suspension," Williamson said in a statement. "I’ve worked extremely hard in rehab to get healthy to deliver 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 an apology to the fans. I can and will be better as a teammate and member of this organization.”
The Pelicans are scheduled to tip off against the 76ers at 6 p.m. Catch all the action on WWL.
