Zion Williamson Won't Return to Pelicans vs. Heat Preseason Game Due to Ankle Injury

Zion was forced to leave the team's preseason game at the Miami Heat on Wednesday due to left ankle soreness.

In the first half, he had 11 points, four assists and two rebound. He wasn't on the floor at the beginning of the second half.

Last year, he fractured his right foot. He missed the entire season because of the injury, but he was supposed to come back by the start of the regular season.

He wasn't able to return to full strength despite some workouts with the team.

According to Andrew Lopez, there was a "difference of opinion" between the team and the player, with the team believing the foot hasn't healed enough.

It is the third NBA season in a row that the No. 1 overall pick has not appeared in a game.

He earned an All-Star selection during his second NBA season. He finished the 21st century with an average of 27.0 points, 7.2 rebound and 3.7 assists per game.

He had a 8.7 win share, which was 11th in the league.

Without one of the most exciting young players in the NBA, it doesn't help if he can't stay on the floor.

There are concerns about the 22-year-old's long-term projection if he isn't available for the game.

The Pels will play the Brooklyn Nets next week.