### Zion Williamson Sidelined Indefinitely With Hamstring Strain

In a significant setback for the New Orleans Pelicans, star player Zion Williamson will be out indefinitely due to a left hamstring strain. The Pelicans made the announcement on Saturday without providing a specific timeline for his return. ESPN's Shams Charania reported that Williamson's condition will be re-evaluated in the coming weeks.

This injury mirrors a similar hamstring issue Williamson had during last season's Play-In Tournament against the Los Angeles Lakers. Williamson's current season, his sixth in the NBA, had already been marred by frustration. He missed the Pelicans' season opener due to illness and sat out three of the last four games because of hamstring tightness. Even when he played, Williamson wasn't performing at his usual high standards.

Despite averaging 22.7 points, eight rebounds, and 5.3 assists per game, his shooting percentage has plummeted to a career-low 45.2%. His finishing ability around the rim has also suffered, with his shot getting blocked a league-high 19 times in just six games. He is currently shooting just 65.9% within three feet of the basket, a significant drop from last season's 71.7%.

Williamson's indefinite absence compounds the Pelicans' injury woes. The team has already been plagued by injuries to key players such as Trey Murphy III (hamstring), Dejounte Murray (hand), Herb Jones (shoulder), CJ McCollum (adductor), and Jordan Hawkins (back). This string of injuries has contributed to the Pelicans' disappointing 3-7 start, the second-worst record in the Western Conference.

Given their position, 2.5 games out of the final Play-In spot, and the overall state of the team, the Pelicans might contemplate a strategic shift. The Utah Jazz are openly tanking for Duke phenom Cooper Flagg, and New Orleans could potentially join them. The Pelicans possess their own first-round pick along with a potential first-round selection from the Milwaukee Bucks, provided it falls between Nos. 5-30. Acquiring two top-10 picks in the highly anticipated 2025 draft could be a silver lining amid their current struggles.