Zion Williamson is one of the most promising young players in the NBA and he has had a stellar beginning to his career in the NBA. During the 2020-21 season, Zion Williamson averaged 27.0 PPG and 7.2 RPG, while shooting 61.1% from the field. There's no question that he's talented.
However, there has been concern about how Zion Williamson's body will hold up over the course of his career, as well as worry about his conditioning. Zion Williamson had undergone surgery this offseason, and it was originally projected that he'd be ready for the start of the 2021-22 season. However, Zion Williamson has yet to play for the franchise this year.
Brian Windhorst has provided an update on Zion Williamson, and he stated that his injury could leave him out of the rotation going into December, though he did add that Williamson has been working "very hard" to return. The Pelicans have started 1-12, and it doesn't look like they'll be competing for a playoff seed, though they could yet make the play-in.
From what I understand, it's good news and bad news. The good news is he is working very hard, he's putting in the sweat equity. He's getting closer. But he is still weeks away. He will have more scans next week. The hope is that if those scans looked good he would be able to return to full practice. When that happens, I still they're looking at 2+ weeks. I think we're headed into December for this.
The New Orleans Pelicans have looked bad to start the season, but with Brandon Ingram sidelined due to a hip contusion, and Zion Williamson still ramping up for a return, it's easy to see why their record is what it is.
When the Pelicans are fully healthy, they have a good squad with some young stars, as well as some solid veterans such as Garrett Temple and Jonas Valanciunas. Hopefully, Brandon Ingram and Zion Williamson return as soon as possible, and the Pelicans will be a much better team once they do.
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