New Orleans Pelicans star forward Zion Williamson left the NBA’s site at Walt Disney World in Orlando, departing the bubble site just weeks before the NBA season is set to resume.
Zion Williamson leaves NBA bubble, expected to return
The Pelicans announced on Wednesday that Williamson departed the bubble site in Orlando to attend to an urgent family matter. Fortunately, he does intend to return to the team at some point during the eight-game return schedule.
The Pelicans are set to play their first game of the restart on July 30, a key matchup against the Utah Jazz. If Williamson is unable to return for the first game, the team’s second game takes place on Aug. 1 against the Los Angeles Clippers.
Whenever Williamson can return, the NBA will require him to be placed back into quarantine. After Sacramento Kings center Richaun Holmes broke the NBA’s quarantine bubble by breaching the perimeter to get food delivery, he was put into isolation for 10 days. However, per The Athletic’s Shams Charania, Williamson might only miss four days if he tests negative during his absence and undergoes extensive testing upon his return.
Obviously, the far more important matter is Williamson’s family and the ongoing medical matter. We extend our best wishes to his family during this time.