What Zion Williamson’s Absence Means for the New Orleans Pelicans

The New Orleans Pelicans are hoping for the best for Zion Williamson and his family, but need to prepare as if he might not be back.

First off, basketball aside, the entire New Orleans Pelicans’ nation is sending good vibes to Zion Williamson and his family as he attends to an undisclosed family medical emergency.

If this pandemic has taught us anything, it’s that common decency matters, whether it is wearing a mask in a store, or understanding that life is more important than sports.

But it’s also impossible to understate the effect his absence could have on the New Orleans Pelicans, particularly if he has to stay outside the bubble for more than a few days.

Here is the NBA protocol for players with excused absences returning to the Orlando bubble:

Basically, if Zion Williamson gets tested every day he is outside the bubble, and they all come back negative, then he will only have to quarantine for four days instead of 10 to 14 days.

So if Zion missed a week and then rejoined the team, he should be able to quarantine for just four days and be ready to go for the first game against the Utah Jazz on July 30th.

If Zion tests positive while he is out, or is not tested daily, then he will have to quarantine for at least ten days, in which case he is very likely to miss at least the first game.

The New Orleans Pelicans have handled this well, fully supporting Zion’s decision to handle his family matters and giving him space to return whenever he is ready.

Zion Williamson’s absence will be felt, both on the court and off, as he had emerged as one of the big stories of the re-start.

Here’s how his absence will immediately affect the New Orleans Pelicans over the next few days.