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New Orleans Pelicans rookie Zion Williamson is participating in some light walk-throughs and on-court activities with his team, according to a report from ESPN.
Williamson underwent an arthroscopic procedure on his right knee on October 21 and was given a 6-8 week timetable for return. The former Duke standout isn't taking contact yet, but it sounds like his recovery process is progressing well.
The Pelicans initially put a six-to-eight-week timetable on Williamson's return, and a source told ESPN that the No. 1 overall pick has returned to doing some on-court work, including light walkthroughs with the team and spot shooting.
Zion played well in his preseason outings, and Pelicans head coach Alvin Gentry says the rookie phenom is itching to get back on the floor:
“He’s dying to be back out here,” Gentry said, via The Undefeated. “He’s taking his rehab very, very serious. He’s chomping on the bit. We’d love to have him out there because he is a game-changer.
“It’s been tough for him only to be able to play in the preseason and not play now,” Gentry added. “He’s going to be special regardless because he is a team-first guy. And team-first guys seem to succeed in this league and have an impact on their team.”
Williamson will be a fine addition the Pelicans' rotation when he's finally cleared to play. In his 33 appearances at Duke, the 19-year-old racked up averages of 22.6 points on 68.0 percent shooting from the field (33.8 percent from beyond the arc), 8.9 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 2.1 steals and 1.8 blocks in 30.0 minutes per outing.
The Pelicans will look to snap a six-game losing streak on Thursday night, when they'll serve as hosts to the Phoenix Suns. Tip-off inside the Smoothie King Center is set for 8:00 p.m. ET.
