Pelicans shut down Zion Williamson, CJ McCollum for rest of year

The New Orleans Pelicans are shutting down Zion Williamson and CJ McCollum for the rest of the season, the team announced on Monday.

McCollum was suffered a right foot bone contusion on March 23 in a loss to the Detroit Pistons while Williamson sustained a low back bone contusion after falling in a win over the Minnesota Timberwolves on March 19. Both players have been out since going down with their respective injuries and are set to continue a recovery plan that includes rest and treatment.

The news comes with New Orleans sitting second-to-last in the Western Conference and eliminated from contention for a play-in spot with seven games remaining.

Injuries helped derail the Pelicans’ season from the start after newly-acquired star guard Dejounte Murray fractured his hand in the season opener. He suffered a torn right Achilles tendon later in the season. Williamson missed a chunk of time in the middle of the season due to a hamstring strain and costar Brandon Ingram missed time with a left ankle sprain before he was traded at the deadline.

Williamson, 24, had been on a tear since his return from that hamstring injury, averaging 25 points, 7 rebounds and 5.3 assists on 59.7% shooting from the field since January 7.

Source: espn.com