Report: Zion's 1st-year rehab caused 'significant tension' with medical staff

Zion Williamson's relationship with the New Orleans Pelicans has apparently been frayed for quite some time.

The Pelicans' handling of Williamson's rehab during his rookie season caused "significant tension" between the former No. 1 overall pick and the team's medical staff, sources told Christian Clark of The Times-Picayune.

Williamson was initially slated to miss six-to-eight weeks after sustaining a torn meniscus in preseason action. However, the Duke product wound up missing more than three months as New Orleans exercised extreme caution throughout his rehab.

When Williamson finally made his debut over halfway through the 2019-20 campaign, his minutes were limited to short bursts, which he reportedly detested. The 21-year-old was put on similar playing restrictions just months later in the Orlando bubble.

Williamson and his family members are said to be unhappy with the Pelicans. Some of his family want the All-Star forward on another club, and the trade of veteran JJ Redick reportedly irritated the rising star.