New Orleans Pelicans’ medical staff re-evaluated Zion Williamson, who hasn’t played this season, due to a foot injury.
The Pelicans said his condition has improved and will progress to full weight-bearing exercises and basketball activities.
According to Andrew Lopez of ESPN, there is no timetable for his return and remains out indefinitely.
Williamson remains out indefinitely. — Andrew Lopez (@_Andrew_Lopez) March 2, 2022
Zion Williamson hasn’t played at all this season. Even though the plan for him was to return early in the season, this never happened.
Back on November 26, the Pelicans announced that medical staff had cleared Zion Williamson to return to practice full time. However, a setback in December forced the team to rule him out again.
Despite the absence of the 2019 first overall pick, New Orleans is still fighting for a place in the playoffs. The addition of star guard CJ McCollum has bolstered the roster, with the Pelicans being undefeated after the All-Star break (2-0).
The impressive victories over the Phoenix Suns (117-102) and the Lakers (123-95) were an extra boost for the team.
The duo of McCollum and Brandon Ingram was unstoppable in these two games. McCollum averaged 27 points, six assists and 5.5 rebounds. Meanwhile, Ingram posted 23.5 points, 7.5 assists and five boards.
CJ McCollum #3 of the New Orleans Pelicans reacts during a game against the Los Angeles Lakers in the second half at Crypto.com Arena on February 27, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. Michael Owens/Getty Images/AFP
New Orleans will seek a similar performance from the superstar duo on Wednesday, when they host the Sacramento Kings. The Kings are three games behind, at 23-40.
For its part, the franchise currently is 10th in the West, at 25-36. They are tied with the Portland Trail Blazers and are two games behind ninth-placed Los Angeles Lakers (27-34).
The Pelicans would certainly need Zion Williamson for the last part of the season. The 27 points, 7.2 rebounds and 3.7 assists he posted last season would be vital for the squad. However, they have showed they are capable of reaching the postseason without their franchise player.
Zion Williamson has one year left in his current deal, which expires in the summer of 2023. With the Pelicans aiming to build a winning culture, it will be interesting to see whether the franchise would offer him a new contract.
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