Zion deal zenith of absurdity

WHEN the alphabetical history of how American pro sports devoured itself from the inside out, “Z” will likely include Zion Williamson.

After a one-and-done at Duke, Williamson was drafted first overall by the Pelicans in the 2019 draft. He signed for $10 million per season.

That preseason, he tore his right meniscus, missing the first three months of his rookie year. Despite appearing overweight and out of shape, he scored at least 20 points in four consecutive games. Up, up and away!

But last summer, Williamson broke his foot while working out. Eventually, the Pelicans said he would miss the entire season.

So in three NBA seasons, Williamson, tormented by injuries and slow to heal, had played just 85 games of a possible 226, zero last season.

Those who purchased season- or partial-seasontickets to Pelicans games based on Williamson’s presence last season were skunked at an average of $150 per ticket — as if many attend alone — a high of $950 and a low of $37.

But now they have another chance.

Last week, Williamson signed a five-year extension with the Pelicans for $193 million, guaranteed, with All-Star team incentives that could make the deal worth $231 million. And that doesn’t include his $75 million sneaker deal.

I don’t get it. I just don’t get it.

➤ Gee, whatever happened to those absurd “catch probability” percentage stats ESPN tried to popularize and legitimize by trying to make all circumstances and players the same, as if games are played in sealed test tubes?

So until further notice, we return to the previous math: Catches that are made have a catch probability of 100 percent. Those that aren’t have a catch probability of 0 percent.