Pelicans star Zion Williamson opens up about his struggles with injuries: 'It's been frustrating'

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Pelicans forward Zion Williamson, the No. 1 overall selection in the 2019 draft, has dealt with injuries for the majority of his professional basketball career.

Williamson has been sidelines since Jan. 2 due to a hamstring strain. On Tuesday, the 22-year-old NBA star spoke with reporters as New Orleans continues preparations for Wednesday's play-in tournament game against Oklahoma City.

"I love this game. ... For those people who think I just want to sit on the sideline just to sit over there, I don’t know why people think that. Nah, it sucks. I just want to be playing basketball."

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Zion Williamson #1 of the New Orleans Pelicans, out due to injury, watches from the bench during a game against the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center on March 28, 2023 in San Francisco, California.   (Loren Elliott/Getty Images)

Williamson appeared in 29 games during the regular-season. A win over the Thunder would allow the Pelicans to advance to face the loser of Tuesday's game between the Los Angeles Lakers and Minnesota Timberwolves.

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When asked how his body feels Williamson replied, "Physically I'm fine, now it's just a matter of when I feel like Zion. I know the atmosphere I'd be entering based off like the playoff experience. So now it's just a matter of when I feel like Zion."

Zion Williamson #1 of the New Orleans Pelicans shoots during the second quarter against the Philadelphia 76ers at Wells Fargo Center on January 02, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.  (Tim Nwachukwu/Getty