NBA Rumors: Pelicans Star May Undergo Second Surgery Due To Weight Issues

The curious case of New Orleans Pelicans star Zion Williamson having not made a single appearance this season continues to roll on, and a reporter is suggesting that he may need to undergo surgery again.

“Williamson has been overweight for virtually all of his pro career, which has complicated the recovery process. He must lose weight in order to decrease the amount of force he puts on his right foot when he runs, cuts and jumps. But it’s difficult for Williamson to lose weight without running, cutting, and jumping,” Christian Clark of Nola.com wrote.

“It is possible he will need a second surgery on his right foot, sources said, but nothing has been decided.”

Williamson’s weight problem has been a major talking point for NBA fans and media personalities because of their concern for his future.

Back in December, it was reported by ESPN personality Tim McMahon on The Lowe Post that Williamson hit the scales at 330 pounds–a concerning amount of weight for a 6-foot-6 power forward who relies heavily on his athleticism.

The former Duke Blue Devil suffered a fractured foot during the offseason and it was believed that Williamson would be ready by the start of the season.

A few weeks later, the Pelicans did not see Williamson making a return by then as his injury was slower to heal than expected and extended his timeline to December, but the setback then forced New Orleans to push it back to a little after the NBA All-Star break.

The Pelicans have had to rely heavily on offseason addition Devonte Graham and forward Brandon Ingram to carry the team for much of this season.

During the trade deadline, general manager David Griffin saw an opportunity to raise their stock and swung a massive deal that brought Portland Trail Blazers combo guard CJ McCollum to New Orleans.

The Pelicans’ moves seem to have set up a potential playoff appearance as they are only two games behind the 25-34 Blazers from qualifying in the play-in tournament.

Rookie forward Herbert Jones is turning out to be a major piece of the Pelicans puzzle as his capabilities on defense have made him an important rotation player.

Judging by their recent moves, New Orleans is clearly banking on the return of the 2019 NBA Draft No. 1 pick to lead them to greater heights, but Williamson's future is in jeopardy as well.