Sion Williamson’s coach claims the injury will not turn into a major controversy

When is it wild optimist Zion Williamson limping off the field in Utah with another ankle injury, the familiar fear that has overshadowed his career resurfaced. Another failure that led to lost games. Another availability story, another one cause for concern for the New Orleans Pelicans. Fortunately, Chris Crisp, Williamson’s personal trainer, was quick to reassure fans that the All-Star forward’s latest injury was just a blip that didn’t merit much media attention.

Chrisp has been doing double duty as a PR champion as well as training the 25-year-old phenom, setting a quick reassuring message to fans shortly after Williamson went down.

“In the past, this has become a two-week story,” he said. “This year, it’s just one game and then it’s back to work. That’s growth. Availability isn’t luck; it’s the result of deliberate preparation and discipline to maintain consistency.”

As for playing against the Clippers?

“Precautionary decision. We’re not chasing streaks. We’re building longevity. That’s the standard. See you soon.”

The value of a good public relations response cannot be underestimated. Ditching the negative narratives before they could take hold with some direct responses kept fans on Williamson’s side, only on social media posts. It’s something that many have proposed over the years.

Thanks to fans who continued to invest after years in the dark, Williamson finally felt comfortable stepping into the spotlight and deal with the situation frontally.

“I looked in the mirror,” Williamson told ESPN. “It was ‘Am I doing what I need to do to stay on the field?’ Even if I felt I was doing enough, I could do more. My coach Chris is always putting me in the game with different things and recovery methods.”

Even broadcaster Antonio Daniels had to spread his gratitude for Williamson and Crisp’s work while they were on the road.

“A lot of people deserve credit for … 34 games. First, you give credit to the New Orleans Pelicans staff, but also to Chris Crisp, who is Zion’s personal trainer,” Daniels explained. “They’ve been doing a great job physically and mentally. You see it play out between the four lines. (Williamson) being available, being active, having an impact, that’s a beautiful thing.”

For a player whose career has often been defined as much by injuries as by highlights, missing even one game can raise anxiety levels. This time, however, those closest to Zion Williamson insist the situation is under control and far from becoming another extended saga for the Pelicans.