“This one recreation suspension is a results of failing to satisfy our staff requirements,” govt VP of basketball operations David Griffin in an announcement. “His dedication to this group is of paramount significance to us and to him. He has taken accountability for his actions and reaffirmed that dedication to the staff right this moment. I’m assured he’ll proceed to evolve positively on and off the ground.”
Williamson can be unavailable for Friday’s recreation in Philadelphia, then will rejoin the staff on Saturday, based on the Pelicans.
Though the staff didn’t present any extra particulars on the precise nature of the violation, Shams Charania of ESPN reviews that Williamson was late for the Pelicans’ staff flight to Philadelphia on Thursday, whereas NBA insider Chris Haynes says the 24-year-old has additionally been late for a number of practices this season.
Williamson confirmed in an announcement of his personal that the suspension was associated to his tardiness.
“I take full duty for this suspension,” he stated. “I’ve labored extraordinarily arduous in rehab to get wholesome to ship for this staff. There isn’t a excuse for being late to staff actions. I’ve apologized to (Pelicans proprietor) Mrs. (Gayle) Benson and my teammates and coaches and I additionally owe an apology to the followers. I can and can be higher as a teammate and member of this group.”
Williamson simply returned to motion on Tuesday after lacking greater than two months on account of a hamstring pressure. The previous No. 1 total choose appeared good in his first recreation again, racking up 22 factors on 9-of-15 capturing in 28 minutes of motion. He additionally contributed six rebounds, 4 assists and three steals and was a +8 in a recreation New Orleans misplaced by seven factors.
Nevertheless, Williamson sat out on Wednesday within the second recreation of a back-to-back and can now miss Friday’s contest too, so his second outing of 2025 received’t occur till Sunday, when the Pelicans go to Boston.
By rule, the suspension will price Williamson 1/145th of his $36,725,670 wage for the 2024-25 season. That works out to $253,280.
