The New Orleans Pelicans have been looking pretty good since acquiring CJ McCollum in a trade before the trade deadline and optimism has been high within the organization. Zion Williamson rejoining the team and supposedly moving towards being healthy also gave the Pelicans a much-needed boost that has seen them claim the 9th seed spot in the Western Conference for the moment.
However, everything isn’t exactly perfect, any shot they had of making noise in the playoffs might now be gone, if the latest reports from The Athletic’s Shams Charania are to be believed. It would seem that Zion Williamson will not play a part for New Orleans this season, even though he has begun moving towards on-court work.
“Sources said Zion Williamson is not expected to return to play this season, but that he is making progress toward on-court work. So far, Williamson has been seen doing stationary shooting and is able to bear weight on his injured foot.
“New Orleans has 11 regular-season games remaining, which leaves an improbably tight window for Williamson to complete the team’s ramp-up stages ranging from one-on-zero to five-on-five scrimmaging. Williamson returned to New Orleans two weeks ago after rehabbing his fractured foot injury in Portland, and the 21-year-old has been cleared to gradually progress in basketball activities.”
Williamson averaged 27 points and over 7 rebounds per game last season, and his presence on the court for the Pelicans is imperative for them to become a proper threat in the Western Conference. As things stand, they would have to win 2 games to make it to the playoffs where they will face the NBA’s hottest team all season in the Phoenix Suns.
Facing the Suns without Zion will likely result in a near-sweep for the Pelicans, who desperately need to start finding some success if they are going to keep Williamson around following his rookie contract. Even if this season might have been a waste in terms of Zion playing, a strong finish is of great importance going into a crucial campaign next season.
