New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson. Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

Pelicans' superstar to be sidelined for extended period of time

By Andrew Wright | Last updated Dec 2, 2025 5:33 PM ET

Ten years from now, we will all look back at the career of Zion Williamson and wonder what could've been.

The New Orleans Pelicans superstar has been hampered by injuries for his entire professional career. That trend continued Tuesday with yet another injury that will cause extended missed time.

New year, same story for Zion Williamson

According to ESPN's NBA insider Shams Charania, Williamson is being sidelined with a right adductor injury. It will be at least three weeks before Williamson is re-evaluated, meaning it will likely be much longer than just three weeks on the shelf.

Williamson just returned to the Pelicans starting lineup 13 days ago after missing two weeks with a hamstring injury. He'd appeared in five of the last seven games for New Orleans before being injured again.

New Orleans Pelicans star Zion Williamson will miss extended time with a right adductor injury, sources tell ESPN. He will be re-evaluated in three weeks. pic.twitter.com/NZtuinR4Qq
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) December 2, 2025

Still productive when he's on the court

Despite the never-ending injuries, Williamson has still been a productive player when on the court. This season, he is averaging 22.1 points, 5.6 rebounds and 4.0 assists per game.

Williamson has also added a career-best 1.6 steals per game as well 72.3% from the free throw line, also a career high.

Where to go from here?

At a certain point, something will have to give with Williamson's health. There will come a time when New Orleans has to decide to risk injury history to give its superstar another massive contract or let him walk because his inability to stay healthy.

Whatever it may be, the career of the former No. 1 overall pick has certainly gone on a trajectory that has left quite a lot to be desired.

Andrew Wright

Andrew "Dew" Wright graduated from Charleston Southern University with a degree in Communication Studies. He is a lifelong Chicago Cubs and Washington Commanders fan.

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