Zion Williamson to miss remainder of Summer League with bruised knee
The New Orleans Pelicans are shutting down the former Duke Basketball sensation, Zion Williamson, for the remainder of the NBA Summer League.
On his 19th birthday, the New Orleans Pelicans announced that Zion Williamson will not see the floor for the rest of the Las Vegas Summer League due to a bruised left knee.
The highly anticipated debut of the No. 1 overall pick last night took place in the Thomas and Mack Center and was cut short due to a couple of reasons.
More from Ball Durham
- Duke basketball: The architect behind digital dominance
- Duke basketball prioritizing frontcourt prospects in 2025
- Duke basketball: Unmasking the hate for the Blue Devils
- Duke basketball: Countdown to Craziness lands another huge visitor
- Duke basketball fills final open scholarship
First, was the reason that Williamson will not be playing anymore in Summer League after the broadcast said he sustained knee-to-knee contact with another player and would not return to the second half.
Secondly, the game was cut short due to the earthquake that hit the Los Angeles and Las Vegas areas on Friday night.
After shaking off some early nerves, Williamson settled in and had a dominant first half, playing just nine minutes and finishing with 11 points, three rebounds, and a steal. Zion made 4-of-9 from the field, missing both of his 3-point attempts, and going 3-for-6 from the free throw line.
The New Orleans Pelicans President of Basketball Operations David Griffin said that this move is strictly a precaution with Williamson and that he will continue to train and condition with the team.
Zion Williamson did have a bag of ice around his knee on the bench in the second half.
The consensus National Player of the Year and All-American averaged 22.6 points, 8.9 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 2.1 steals, and 1.8 blocks per game for the Duke Blue Devils en route to becoming the No. 1 overall pick on June 20 in the NBA Draft.
The injury does not appear to be related to the knee sprain Williamson suffered at Duke as that was his right knee and this injury is his left.
Next. Zion Williamson gets hurt, RJ Barrett struggles, but Frank Jackson soars. dark
The New Orleans Pelicans will be back on the floor tonight as former Blue Devil Frank Jackson looks to build off his 30-point game and expect to see Zion Williamson engaged on the bench cheering on his teammates.