Star players get star treatment when it comes to injury announcements. For example, Chris Paul had wrist surgery last summer and it was never announced by the team when it occurred.
It is true Williamson had a non-team doctor -- Dr. Richard Ferkel did the surgery -- but this isn't unusual. Ferkel is a go-to surgeon for NBA players with foot injuries and made a name for himself for successful care of Stephen Curry's ankles. Griffin said the Pelicans were aware throughout the process and that the Pelicans' team orthopedist, Dr. Scott Montgomery, consulted.