Zion Williamson was putting together another dominant season before injuries struck — again.
In the first 28 games of the 2022-23 season, Williamson was averaging 26.0 points, 7.0 rebounds and 4.5 assists for the No. 2 seeded Pelicans. Those numbers helped him earn his second All-Star selection and he was working his way into the MVP conversation.
Unfortunately, Williamson suffered a hamstring injury in game No. 29 that impacted the rest of his season. There was initially hope that he would return from it, but he didn't step foot on the court again.
Here's how Williamson suffered the injury and why it sidelined him for over 40 games.
Zion Williamson hamstring injury timeline
Jan. 2, 2023: In a matchup with the 76ers, Williamson appears to injure his hamstring in the closing seconds of the third quarter. He comes up limp while pushing the ball in transition and exits the game.
The Pelicans soon announced that Williamson had a right hamstring strain and would not return to the game.
Jan. 3, 2023: Medical imaging confirms that Williamson sustained a right hamstring strain, the Pelicans announce. He will be re-evaluated in three weeks.
"I think there is hope that this is not something that's more serious," The Athletic's Shams Charania reports.
"Obviously, the worst case in a hamstring is that you rupture it fully. It wasn't that. With Zion Williamson, he's the prized possession of this Pelicans organisation. They're going to be very careful with him and I expect them to take a very cautious approach to this."
Jan. 24, 2023: Williamson is re-evaluated. His hamstring is said to be healing "as expected" and he's "progressing well with his recovery." He will be re-evaluated again in two weeks as he continues his rehab to strengthen his hamstring.
Feb. 12, 2023: News breaks that Williamson has reaggravated his hamstring injury. The two-time All-Star had progressed to participating in 3-on-3 drills.
“Unfortunately this is an injury that has a very high incidence of recurrence,” Pelicans executive vice president David Griffin said. “It’s nothing he did wrong to bring this about. … It’s an injury that’s tricky and hard to navigate. I think you’ve seen other players around the league have those same re-incidences. It’s not unique.”
The Athletic's Shams Charania reports Williamson could be out for "at least another month."
March 22, 2023: With less than a month remaining in the regular season, Williamson is cleared to return to on-court activities. The Pelicans add that he will be re-evaluated in two weeks.
March 28, 2023: NBA on TNT's Chris Haynes provides an update on Williamson.
"There is good news for the Pelicans: Zion Williamson is working out on the court," Haynes says. "A source told me this morning that he had a rigorous workout this morning — looking good, explosiveness is looking there.
"As of right now, the plan is to be re-evaluated at some point in the middle of next week. At that juncture, the Pelicans will only have about two games left in the schedule, so coach Willie Green will have a decision to make as far as what they do.
"As far as that re-evaluation goes, it's not for sure if he will be cleared at that time. So there are still some hurdles, but there is some good news — he's making progress, no setbacks as of right now."
April 7, 2023: The Pelicans rule Williamson out for the Play-In Tournament, which runs from April 11-14. His status is still unclear for the playoffs if the Pelicans advance.
April 11, 2023: Williamson speaks to the media about his injury for the first time since the All-Star break. He says he's fine physically but there is still "hesitation" when he makes certain moves.
"I understand the magnitude of these games coming up and I don't want to be out there hesitating or doing something that may affect my team in a bad way," Williamson says.
April 12, 2023: The Thunder defeated the Pelicans in the first round of the Play-In Tournament, bringing an end to their season. New Orleans has no answer for Josh Giddey and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who combine for 63 points, 14 rebounds and 13 assists. Brandon Ingram leads the Pelicans in scoring with 30 points.
