“Is he gonna have a long career?” - NBA insider iffy on Zion Williamson’s career prospects, compares injury proneness to former MVP

Amid New Orleans Pelicans star forward Zion Williamson's continued injury struggles, Yahoo Sports' Vincent Goodwill questioned his long-term NBA career prospects.

After battling hamstring injuries in recent seasons, Williamson missed New Orleans' Sunday and Monday back-to-back set due to right hamstring tightness and right thigh soreness.

On Wednesday's episode of "Good Word with Goodwill," Goodwill touched on his apparent growing concern about Williamson's chances of consistently staying healthy. He highlighted how the two-time All-Star was limited to only 29 contests in the 2022-23 season due to a right hamstring strain.

Afterward, he noted that the Pelicans may be forced to manage Williamson's workload throughout his career.

"If Zion Williamson is on your team, this is something you're going to have to deal with for however long he plays," Goodwill said.

"I don't think we're ever going to get to a point where we're like, 'You know what? Zion Williamson lost the weight, he looks like an Adonis, and now he's gonna play 75 games, be healthy for the in-season tournament, be healthy for the playoffs, be healthy for everything.'"

Goodwill likened Williamson to oft-injured Philadelphia 76ers superstar center Joel Embiid, who has yet to suit up this season primarily due to a left knee injury. The 2023 MVP noted before the season that he may never play both games of back-to-back sets for the remainder of his career.

"It's a matter of almost like Joel Embiid, but in a different way where you're just gonna have to pick and choose your spots," Goodwill said.

Goodwill added that Williamson's prime may be shorter than most expect.

"Unfortunately for him, I feel like it's gonna be one of those things where, man, is he gonna have a long career?" Goodwill said.

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Zion Williamson's injury issues persist in return against Cavaliers

Zion Williamson returned to action during Wednesday's home matchup against the Cleveland Cavaliers. However, his injury woes persisted, as he briefly exited the first half due to left thigh soreness before returning to start the second half.

Williamson ultimately played 29 minutes, tallying a game-high-tying 29 points, eight rebounds, four assists, one block and one steal, shooting 50.0%. However, New Orleans fell 131-122, dropping to 3-6.

The Pelicans will look to snap their three-game losing streak during Friday's road clash against the Orlando Magic (3-6).

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