Zion Williamson’s Health Woes Continue as Pelicans Fall to Pistons
Zion Williamson’s talent has never been in question. When he's on the floor, he's one of the most dynamic forces in the league - a rare blend of size, speed, and skill that makes him nearly unstoppable in the paint. But once again, availability is proving to be the biggest hurdle in his young career.
On Wednesday night, the New Orleans Pelicans saw their star forward exit early due to illness. He was listed on the injury report prior to tip-off, attempted to give it a go, but was ultimately ruled out during the game. His absence was felt as the Pelicans dropped a 112-104 decision to the Detroit Pistons.
Before heading to the locker room for good, Zion logged 15 minutes, scoring four points on 2-of-5 shooting. He missed all three of his free throw attempts but managed to grab four rebounds.
It was his 30th appearance of the season - a number that might seem modest, but for Zion, it marks only the fourth time in his seven-year career that he’s hit that mark. That stat alone tells the story of a player whose career has been constantly interrupted by injury and health setbacks.
The last time Zion had a relatively healthy season was back in 2023-24, when he suited up for 70 games and averaged 22.9 points per contest. That version of Zion looked like the cornerstone New Orleans had hoped for when they made him the No. 1 overall pick. But since then, it’s been a frustrating cycle of starts and stops.
Injuries and now illness have once again disrupted his rhythm - and with it, the Pelicans’ season. The loss to Detroit dropped New Orleans to 10-36, a record that reflects a team struggling to find consistency, especially without its centerpiece at full strength.
As Zion left the floor, the reaction from fans online was swift and, at times, harsh. The frustration is understandable - not just from a team perspective, but also from fans who invest emotionally (and in some cases, financially) in the performances of stars like Williamson. While some of the online chatter veered into speculation and criticism, the underlying sentiment was clear: people want to see Zion healthy, playing, and dominating like he's capable of.
Adding another layer to the night’s fallout, trade rumors surrounding Zion have begun to resurface. Reports indicate that the Chicago Bulls have at least explored the idea of acquiring the former first-round pick. Whether that materializes into anything serious remains to be seen, but it’s a reminder that the Pelicans are facing big-picture questions about their franchise direction.
Right now, though, the immediate concern is getting Zion back to full strength. The Pelicans need him - not just for the highlight dunks and the 20-point nights, but for the stability and leadership that comes with having your franchise player on the court consistently.
When he’s right, Zion changes the game. But until his health stops being the headline, New Orleans will remain stuck in a holding pattern, waiting for their star to shine again.