2x All-NBA Star Makes Controversial Statement on Zion Williamson Injury Drama

Former Pelicans center Demarcus Cousins doesn't think all the blame should fall on Zion for his injuries.

Mar 1, 2023; Portland, Oregon, USA; New Orleans Pelicans power forward Zion Williamson (1, right) watches from the bench during the second half against the Portland Trail Blazers at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-Imagn Images / Soobum Im-Imagn Images

New Orleans Orleans Pelicans star Zion Williamson finds himself in a familiar place, on the sideline due to injury. The two-time all-star is out indefinitely with a hamstring injury suffered earlier this month, and there is no timetable for his return. Fans have voiced their frustration with his lack of availability when he came into the league in 2019.

Despite Williamson's many detractors, some people sympathize with his situation. One of them is former New Orleans Pelicans center Demarcus Cousins, who played in New Orleans for one and a half seasons. The former All-NBA big man thinks the organization has a role to play with Williamson.

"New Orleans isn't some place that gives health", Cousins revealed on the Run It Back show on FanDuel TV. He continued, "That's a place you go and gain ten pounds, drink, and have a good time."

"To put that kid in that situation and expect him to thrive in it, that was the first mistake."

DeMarcus Cousins believes the Pelicans are to blame for Zion Williamson's mishaps with the Pelicans 🗣️

(via @RunItBackFDTV)pic.twitter.com/1mgw0McI4e

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) November 27, 2024

Weight has been an issue for Williamson since he entered the league, and even his 2022 contract extension had language provisions requiring him to meet a certain weight level before incentives kicked in. The two-time all-star came into this season in the healthiest shape of his NBA career, reportedly down to his college weight and looking to lose more.

Most thought that was a welcome sign after Zion played the most games of his career last season. However, the former Duke phenom injured his hamstring during the Play-In Tournament against the Los Angeles Lakers, causing him to miss the playoffs yet again. Williamson has played in less than 50% of Pelicans' games in his NBA career.

With New Orleans struggling out of the gate with a 4-14 record, most eyes are toward Zion and his injury-plagued career. He is a dominating and nearly unstoppable force when the forward is on the court. However, those moments seem few and far between. Time will tell whether he can return in time this season to help turn the Pelicans around.

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