The NBA’s plan to roll out the red carpet for Zion Williamson must wait until at least December.
The New Orleans Pelicans announced Monday that Williamson, the top pick in the 2019 NBA draft, will be sidelined for six to eight weeks after undergoing surgery to address a torn lateral meniscus in his right knee. The 19-year-old forward is believed to have suffered the injury during a preseason win over the San Antonio Spurs on Oct. 13.
Williamson’s setback is a tough blow for the Pelicans and the league as a whole. Not since LeBron James has the NBA seen a rookie with Williamson’s mix of athleticism, charisma and hype, and the NBA took every possible measure to capitalize on the excitement.