Zion Williamson’s recovery suffered a major setback last week when the New Orleans Pelicans announced the player’s comeback would take longer than initially expected.
The 21-year-old hasn’t played a game since last season, and every date he was given for a potential return was constantly postponed. When it looked closer than ever, Zion experienced soreness on his foot, which prompted the Pelicans to shut down any basketball activity for him.
Pelicans’ Zion Williamson continues to experience soreness in his surgically-repaired right foot and is likely to be shut down from basketball activities for time being, sources tell me and Will Guillory.
Recent imaging on Williamson’s foot “showed a regression in the bone healing of his fifth metatarsal,” per Pelicans.
The team hasn’t given up and they want to see their star player on the court this season, which is why they’ve pulled a different card, trying to accelerate Williamson’s rehab.
According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, the 2019 No. 1 overall pick received an injection in his right foot to boost its healing. In a month, a month and a half he’ll be re-evaluated to see how the foot reacted to the shot.
Pelicans star Zion Williamson underwent injection in his injured right foot in order to promote healing and will be re-evaluated in 4-to-6 weeks.
Pelicans star Zion Williamson underwent injection in his injured right foot in order to promote healing and will be re-evaluated in 4-to-6 weeks.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) December 16, 2021
Zion is one of the biggest absents in the NBA this season. Contrary to Kyrie Irving and Ben Simmons, he’s inactive due to injuries, not personal matters like the two point guards.
His weight has been a source of concern for the Pelicans, according to reports, but Williamson’s public appearances indicate the opposite. He’s in great shape and ready to return whenever he gets clearance. Meanwhile, the franchise is doing everything they can to accelerate this process and get their player back.
Last season, Zion averaged 27.0 PPG, 7.2 RPG, and 3.7 APG while shooting 61.6% from the field. He expected to improve those numbers this campaign, but his body hasn’t helped him. Once he’s back, the Pelicans will have a better chance to compete in a difficult Western Conference.
