Hall of Famer Reggie Miller called it a mistake on the part of the New Orleans Pelicans to play No. 1 overall pick Zion Williamson this season after undergoing knee surgery in October.
Williamson appears to be close to returning to the court after recently participating in practice for the first time since his surgery. On Tuesday, Williamson made further progress and took part in 5-on-5 drills for the first time, as well.
Miller cited Williamson’s bulky frame for the main reason why the Pelicans should sit him this season. As he made his weekly radio appearance on The Dan Patrick Show on Tuesday, he said he believes Williamson needs to lose weight prior to playing again.
The NBA on TNT analyst has been on record by saying that he believes the Pelicans should be cautious and hold Williamson out for the entire season. With the news that Williamson appears to be close to a return, Miller denounced that decision to play him.
People on Twitter disagree with you and I; they want to see him back. People keep hitting me, saying, ‘You’re wrong. He’s coming back. I thought you said he was done for this season?’ I think it’s a mistake. Looking at him dunk during these warmups, I just think he is too heavy.
I don’t think it’s practical. I’m looking out for the kid. [The Pelicans front office] see him on an everyday basis, you and I don’t, right? So, they obviously know more than we do. I want to err on the side of caution; I would sit him out this year. I would put him on a strict diet. He needs to lose about 30-40 pounds.
He weighs 290 pounds?! … That young man at talent, at those springs, needs to be playing at 250. I’m right: He needs to lose 30 or 40 pounds. At 250, he would be unstoppable.
Since undergoing surgery, several analysts, in addition to Miller, have said the Pelicans should sit Williamson this year. But, as Miller mentioned, the Pelicans see Williamson every day and truly know how healthy he is.
Williamson has said that if it were up to him, he would be playing so the Pelicans are certainly being cautious with his recovery. Pelicans head coach Alvin Gentry has said Williamson will be on a minutes restriction and he’ll likely even sit during back-to-backs.
By all accounts, the Pelicans are looking out for Williamson and are putting him in a situation to succeed and prevent any future injuries. As it stands now, the organization and Williamson are aiming for a January return to the court.
Without Williamson, the Pelicans have posted a 12-25 record after losing a controversial decision against the Jazz on Monday. The Pelicans are 14th in the Western Conference.
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