Pelicans Coach Gets Honest About Zion Williamson Decision vs Grizzlies

Coach Willie Green addressed a major concern regarding Pelicans star Zion Williamson

Apr 16, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (1) reacts with New Orleans Pelicans head coach Willie Green on a time out in the first half against the Los Angeles Lakers during a play-in game of the 2024 NBA playoffs against the New Orleans Pelicans at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images | Stephen Lew-Imagn Images

The New Orleans Pelicans dropped their fourth straight game on Sunday evening after a 107-104 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies. New Orleans had one final chance to tie the game, but a Kelly Olynyk three-point attempt missed as time expired. Pelicans star forward Zion Williamson was not available to play under return-to-play conditioning guidelines.

Williamson has not played in any back-to-back games since returning from a hamstring injury on January 7th. The two-time all-star missed 27 straight games during that stretch, plummeting the Pelican's playoff hopes in his absence. New Orleans played Saturday night against the Houston Rockets, and Williamson played 28 minutes in the loss.

Pelicans coach Willie Green was asked pregame about the decision to play Williamson on the road but not at home on the second night of a back-to-back. Coach Greem said the team considered it, but it didn't happen this time. New Orleans has three back-to-back game scenarios for the rest of this season.

Willie Green when asked if they ever consider playing Zion in the home game instead of the road game on a road/home back to back….

“We have . It just didn’t happen this time.”#Pelicans

— Rod Walker (@RodWalkerNola) March 9, 2025

The Pelicans are trying to end an injury-filled, turbulent season with any positivity, and keeping their star healthy seems to be a top priority. Williamson has sustained a hamstring injury in each of the past three seasons. The former No. 1 overall pick played a career-high 70 games last season but injured his hamstring right before the team made the playoffs.

ZION LOOK OUT. pic.twitter.com/TZYzd2GkD1

— New Orleans Pelicans (@PelicansNBA) March 5, 2025

New Orleans traded away former all-star Brandon Ingram this season, so the team's unquestioned best player is Zion Williamson moving forward. With a top pick in next year's draft a certainty with the team's 17-48 record, New Orleans is being cautious with him for the remainder of this season.

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