The annual salary is 39.45 million, and the injuries are serious after playing in and out! The most unlucky No. 1 pick in the NBA, it’s time to consider retirement

Awarded the number one scholar, honoring his ancestors! There are NBA champions every year, but there are only a handful of champions like James who have completely realized their talents and become famous. Most champions squander their talents for various reasons and disappear! Take Simmons, the No. 1 pick in 2016, for example. He was at his peak when he debuted and was regarded as the successor to James. But what is the result? After several years of youth, Simmons' body and mind were overwhelmed. At the age of 29, he should have been in his prime, but he couldn't even get a veteran's basic salary contract. He faded out of the league and went fishing every day to enjoy it, which made people lament his misfortune and anger him!

Simmons’ body and mind no longer belong to the NBA, so let’s not mention it! In addition to Simmons, there are many top picks in the league who have high hopes. However, due to various reasons, their growth is far lower than outside expectations, and they have a long way to go! Especially the 2019 No. 1 pick Lang Zion, who is more talented than Simmons, but falls faster than Simmons. Injuries are the culprit, from his right foot to his right knee to his left hamstring! According to statistics from the NBA official website, Fat Tiger only played 85 games in the first three seasons of his career, and played no more than 30 games in four of the first six seasons. Among them, he only played 24 games in his rookie season and was reimbursed in the 21-22 season. He only played 29 games in the 22-23 season and only 30 games in the 24-25 season. What's even more ironic is that Zion never played in a season finale in the first five years of his career.

During this offseason, the Pelicans converted Zion's $39.45 million contract into a fully guaranteed contract. Zion understands that his contract is linked to weight and attendance. To this end, he successfully lost weight in the summer. In his own words: I feel great now. I haven't had this experience since I was in college. But having said that, considering Zion's history of frequent serious injuries in the past, the outside world still agrees: It is not the opponent that can stop the Fat Tiger, but injuries! Everyone was looking forward to seeing how dominant the slimmed-down version of Fat Tiger would be, but they never thought that injuries would come sooner than expected!

According to official news from the Pelicans, Zion suffered a first-degree strain of his left hamstring and will be re-examined in 7-10 days. Prior to this, Zion had missed 1 game due to injury. So far this season, Zion has played 5 games for the Pelicans, averaging 31 minutes per game, averaging 22.8 points + 6.8 rebounds + 4.6 assists + 2 steals per game, with a shooting percentage of 48.7% and a free throw shooting rate of 66.7%. His scoring has almost returned to the level of his rookie season. On the bright side, Zion's style of play remains unchanged after losing weight, and he is full of impact. The penalty area is still his main battlefield. According to statistics from the NBA's official website, Zion averaged 14.8 points in the penalty area per game, ranking third in the league; he averaged 11.4 free throws per game, ranking first in the league.

On the negative side, Zion's simple and crude style of play means a high risk of injury. Especially as the league's offensive transition speed becomes faster and faster, Zion's weight is still far higher than most people. It is no accident that injuries come early. In the new season, Zion made no three-pointers and his free throw percentage was only 66.7%. In other words, once Zion cannot rely on his body to crush the penalty area, he will not have much presence on the court. He is like a younger version of Antetokounmpo and is easily targeted. The difference is that Antetokounmpo has already developed an above-average mid-range shot. He just completed a buzzer-beating mid-range shot yesterday, and Antetokounmpo dares to try three-pointers in every game, while Zion still stands still and relies purely on talent. This awareness of not actively pursuing offense is more fatal than injuries.

With an annual salary of 39.45 million, he plays in and out and is seriously injured. Zion is the most unlucky number one pick in the NBA today, and his career path is getting narrower and narrower! In the new season, the New Orleans Pelicans suffered a 6-game losing streak, with a net loss of 109 points in 6 games, including 3 30+ defeats! The Pelicans need a savior, but Zion is obviously not the superhero who can save the Pelicans. In the past four seasons, Zion has missed games due to hamstring injuries. You really don't dare to have high expectations for him! At least judging from the current situation, there is not much time left for Zion. If he continues to be shameless, the Pelicans may not execute his contract for the remaining two seasons. He may follow in Simmons' footsteps and consider retiring. Fans and friends, what do you think of this? Come and leave me a comment to discuss.