The New Orleans Pelicans have announced that star forward Zion Williamson and veteran guard CJ McCollum will miss the remainder of the 2024-25 NBA season due to injuries.
The news marks another setback for a team already struggling at 14th place in the Western Conference and out of playoff contention.
Williamson, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2019 draft, sustained a low back bone contusion during a game against the Minnesota Timberwolves on March 19. The 6-foot-6 forward will continue to rest and receive treatment for the injury.
This development concludes another injury-plagued season for Williamson, who appeared in just 30 games, averaging 24.6 points and 7.2 rebounds per game. Despite playing a career-high 70 games last season, Williamson has faced persistent challenges with durability throughout his career.
McCollum, meanwhile, suffered a right foot bone contusion during a game against the Detroit Pistons on March 23.
The experienced guard, who averaged 21.1 points across 56 games this season, will also focus on recovery and rehabilitation. McCollum’s absence further depletes a Pelicans roster already grappling with injuries to key players.
With a 21-54 record and seven games remaining, the Pelicans face an uncertain offseason as they look to regroup and address ongoing injury concerns.
