On January 6, Beijing time, the New Orleans Pelicans officially announced that Zion will continue his postoperative recovery and has left the team for treatment. While pelicans officials did not disclose the exact location, sources informed ESPN that Zion is currently recovering from injuries in Portland.
Zion has remained silent since last year's offseason injury, and today, New Orleans officials released a personal statement from Zion, the first time he has spoken out since injury.
Zion wrote in a statement: "As you can imagine, for me, it was a very difficult process. I know there's still a lot of rehabilitation work to be done before I get back on the pitch safely. But I'll put in the necessary time so I can get back on the court, join the team and play high for pelicans fans and the city. Basketball means everything to me, and I thank the Pelicans and everyone who has given me love and support throughout this journey, my family, friends, teammates, coaches, staff, fans, and all the people who supported me who encouraged me when I needed it most. ”
Sources revealed that Zion's departure from the team for treatment was a mutually agreed decision between the team and himself. The Pelicans even arranged transportation for him to leave New Orleans. David Griffin, pelicans vice president of basketball operations, said the team agreed to leave the team to allow him to focus more on recovery, but they remained in communication.
On Dec. 16 last year, pelicans announced that Zion had received an injection of his right foot to help heal his bones, and Zion also met with medical experts in Los Angeles to discuss details of rehabilitation. The Pelicans are currently 13-25 and Zion's injury progress is expected to continue to update in the coming weeks.
Some time ago, Zion's weight caused heated discussions in the outside world, and his comeback time was also delayed again and again, and it was obvious that the comeback was not going well. So far in his career, Zion has played only 85 games, averaging 25.7 points, 7 rebounds and 3.2 assists per game.