Miami (AFP)
Zion Williamson, the New Orleans Pelicans rookie, left the NBA "bubble" in Orlando on Thursday to deal with an urgent family medical problem, the club said in a statement.
"We fully support Zion's decision to leave the NBA campus to be with his family," said David Griffin, executive vice president of the Pelicans.
No details were communicated on the nature of the medical problem, on the members of his family concerned or on his possible return schedule.
"Out of respect for the Williamson family, we will not be making further comments at this time," said David Griffin.
Williamson will have to pass Covid-19 exams and return to quarantine in his hotel room when he returns before he can join his teammates.
The strong winger, who celebrated his 20th birthday 10 days ago, became the rising star of the NBA in his first season, despite a right knee injury which delayed his debut until January and the pandemic of coronavirus which stopped the season prematurely on March 11.
First choice in the 2019 draft, Williamson became the first player under 20 in NBA history to score 20 or more points in 10 consecutive games, averaging 23.6 points, 6.8 rebounds and 2.2 assists this season.
NBA players train in a quarantined atmosphere at Disney World in Orlando, Florida, where they are scheduled to play the season in camera starting July 30.
© 2020 AFP