In a season already marred by a hamstring injury and the Pelicans' 7-31 record, Zion Williamson has added a new chapter of tardiness to his saga, missing one game for showing up late to the team's flight.

Zion Williamson's latest escapade of running behind schedule has landed him a one-game suspension for arriving late to the Pelicans' flight to Philadelphia, further stretching the limits of a season already defined by injury and underachievement. With only seven games played this season due to a hamstring injury and a history of tardiness in practices, the Pelicans seem to be searching for trade options, hoping to find a player who can not only show up on time but also contribute to a team with one of the worst records in the NBA.

David Griffin, the executive vice president of basketball operations for the Pelicans, weighed in on Williamson's behavior, noting that while lateness is an issue, his commitment to the organization is significant. Griffin stated, 'Zion has taken accountability for his actions,' which is reassuring, considering the irony of his commitment amidst a team struggling with consistently showing up to both games and practices. Williamson has a history of being late for multiple practices this season, which contributed to his recent suspension for arriving late to the team’s flight to Philadelphia.

Williamson himself echoed this sentiment, assuring everyone that he takes full responsibility for his tardiness and the ensuing suspension. In a heartfelt apology—likely earnestly delivered and possibly rehearsed—he expressed remorse to the Pelicans' president, teammates, coaches, and even the fans. It’s a noble gesture, but one has to wonder if an apology carries the same weight when delivered post-suspension rather than pre-flight.

This season, Williamson's clock management hasn't helped. His habit of arriving late to multiple practices has raised eyebrows and possibly even increased the stress levels of team staff trying to keep everyone on schedule. While a hamstring injury can be annoying, tardiness appears to be a more persistent foe by the looks of it.

When combined with a 7-31 record, this scenario feels nearly theatrical. The Pelicans are not just struggling on the court; they are navigating the chaotic waters of professional basketball where time is as valuable as talent. It's unusual to schedule a game only to have the main player fail to arrive on time. Perhaps the team should consider implementing a new policy where players earn a bonus for punctuality, starting with GPS tracking.

As if the season weren’t challenging enough, the Pelicans have one of the worst records in the NBA with a 7-31 record. Speculation around trade options for Williamson and fellow player Brandon Ingram is surfacing, much like rumors of a snowstorm in July. The team is exploring potential trades to bolster the roster given their poor performance.

With Williamson's history of delays now firmly documented, one can't help but ponder if he might be better suited for a career outside of basketball—perhaps in the fashion industry where arriving late is part of the allure, or maybe as a professional timekeeper who ironically teaches others how not to be late. The Pelicans might want to explore options for a punctuality coach on the side.

This suspension serves as a stark reminder that professional athletes are human and, like the rest of us, not immune to the occasional slip-up when it comes to the clock. As the Pelicans look to regroup from both injury and distraction, Williamson will have to prove that he can correct course and maybe even set an example for punctuality that could inspire his struggling teammates. After all, if they can’t win games, at least they can win some awards for arriving to practice on time.