Report: Zion Williamson Has $8 Million Loss of Value Insurance
Duke freshman forward Zion Williamson has a loss of value insurance policy should he be selected outside of the lottery in the NBA draft, according to The Action Network's Darren Rovell.
According to the report, Willamson's policy, issued by International Specialty Insurance (ISI), is worth $8 million on the chance that he is picked 16th or later in the NBA draft.
Loss of value insurance, defined by the NCAA, is insurance that "protects a student-athlete’s future contract value from decreasing below a predetermined amount due to a significant injury or illness suffered during the policy’s designated coverage period."
Williamson was injured in the first 30 seconds of Duke's 88–72 loss to rival North Carolina on Wednesday, when he slipped as he planted while dribbling toward the free throw line. The shoe on his left foot completely ripped apart and Williamson fell to the ground while holding his right knee.
Nike, which sponsors Duke basketball, said in a statement that it was "concerned" and wished the freshman "a speedy recovery," while "working to identify the issue."
Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski said that Williamson, a projected top NBA draft pick, has a mild knee sprain, but did not specify if he would miss any time.
Duke's next game is Saturday at Syracuse, which has already beaten the Blue Devils this season.
Williamson is averaging 21.6 points, 8.8 rebounds and 2.2 assists for the top-ranked Blue Devils.
