Duke star and presumptive No. 1 overall pick, Zion Williamson was injured on Wednesday. In the aftermath of that, Denver Nuggets star Isaiah Thomas hopes we never see Williamson in a college game again.
Thomas called on Williamson to remain sidelined for the rest of the season. He also called for a change in the NBA Draft rules if college athletes are to remain unpaid.
Let these kids go straight out of HS!!! Too much on the line to be messing with college if you got a legit chance to turn pro. One injury can change somebody career, Zion sit yo ass down lol and we will be ready for you in the big boy league #LookingOutForThePlayers
— Isaiah Thomas (@isaiahthomas) February 21, 2019
If they not tryna pay these college athletes then the nba should let them come straight outta HS. If college was paying these athletes then it would be a different story but since they not let these kids go get this money if they have the chance too.
— Isaiah Thomas (@isaiahthomas) February 21, 2019
Golden State Warriors star DeMarcus Cousins agreed. He said (per Anthony Slater of the Athletic) that “knowing what I know now, college basketball is b***s***.”
He also ripped the NCAA’s one-and-done system, saying, “I don’t understand the point of it. What’s the difference between 18 and 19? Or 17 and 18?”
Both Thomas and Cousins know how much an injury can alter someone’s career. Two years ago, Thomas was one of the NBA’s best. But a hip injury suffered in the 2017 postseason has severely limited Thomas ever since. Cousins tore his Achilles months before he was expected to cash in on a big free agency payday. Fortunately for both, their injuries came during their NBA careers.
As far as Williamson goes, Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski said that his injury was a “mild knee sprain.” If that’s accurate, Williamson seems to have avoided disaster.
Time will tell if Williamson takes the advice of Thomas and Cousins. But even if he doesn’t, expect the Blue Devils to be very cautious with him going forward.