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last mo.

Pelicans Shut Down Zion Williamson and CJ McCollum for Season

With injuries sidelining their stars, New Orleans shifts focus to recovery and future planning as their playoff hopes are extinguished.

Mar 11, 2025; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (1) reacts after a dunk against the Los Angeles Clippers during the fourth quarter at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Hinton-Imagn Images/File Photo
Mar 11, 2025; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Pelicans guard CJ McCollum (3) blows a chefÕs kiss after a three-point basket against the Los Angeles Clippers during the fourth quarter at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Hinton-Imagn Images/File Photo
Zion Williamson #1 of the New Orleans Pelicans helps up teammate CJ McCollum #3 during the first half of a game against the San Antonio Spurs at the Smoothie King Center on February 25, 2025 in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Overview

  • The New Orleans Pelicans announced that Zion Williamson and CJ McCollum will miss the final seven games of the 2024-25 NBA season due to injuries.
  • Williamson sustained a low back bone contusion on March 19, while McCollum suffered a right foot bone contusion on March 23, ending their seasons prematurely.
  • The Pelicans currently hold a 21-54 record, the fourth-worst in the league, and are eliminated from playoff contention.
  • Zion Williamson averaged 24.6 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 5.3 assists in 30 games this season but continues to face questions about his long-term durability.
  • The decision to shut down their top players aligns with a potential strategy to improve their draft positioning for the 2025 NBA Draft.