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The New Orleans Pelicans could easily elect to sit top pick Zion Williamson for the remainder of the season.
After all, the Pels–after a 9-23 start–are currently 14th in the Western Conference, and their playoff hopes are all but sunk less than halfway through the year.
But the Pelicans expect Williamson–who has yet to play after undergoing an arthroscopic procedure on his knee–to suit up at some point this season, per Shams Charania of The Athletic:
As for Williamson, the No. 1 overall pick is expected to begin contact drills and practices within the next week or two, according to sources. The Pelicans have not set a timetable for his return. This is a gradual progression due to the uniqueness of Williamson’s body and game, a 6-foot-6, 285-pound specimen the likes of which we have not seen in the NBA before.
The Pelicans have wanted Williamson to continue to get lean and trim prior to his return, and for his part Williamson has focused on refining his eating habits, according to sources. After he underwent surgery on his torn meniscus in October, he and the Pelicans believed his weight and conditioning was not a reason for the injury.
This has all been part of the NBA orientation process and education for Williamson, who is believed to still be growing, too. He has progressed to one-on-one and three-on-three court work with coaches, but has not been cleared for full contact and basketball activities. That could be closer to mid-January.
New Orleans fully anticipates Williamson to play this season, league sources said.
Concerns over Zion's stature and frame have not subdued even as he rehabs.
The Pelicans reportedly have been trying to change the way that he runs and walks so as to improve his durability and strengthen his body composition.
Regardless of expectations, the Pelicans will be sure to wait until they feel Williamson is fully healthy before allowing him to take the court.
