New Orleans Pelicans head coach Alvin Gentry says rookie Zion Williamson is only doing stand-alone shooting as he continues to recover from his knee surgery.
Williamson underwent surgery to repair a torn lateral meniscus in October. The Pelicans won't rush Williamson back since they are on their way to missing the playoffs.
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The meniscus surgery Williamson underwent is unknown, although most experts believe it was a meniscectomy rather than a true repair since the initial estimated timeline of recovery was six-to-eight weeks.
Article Continues BelowIn his lone season at Duke, Williamson put on an absolute show. The forward averaged 22.6 points, 8.9 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game while shooting 68.0 percent from the field, 33.8 percent from beyond the arc and 64.0 percent from the free-throw line.
The Pelicans are 6-21 on the season and have lost 12 games in a row. Williamson is the new face of the Pelicans in the post-Anthony Davis era, but this isn’t how anyone in New Orleans wanted to see Zion’s NBA career begin. However, his health is very important and everyone in The Big Easy just wants Williamson to be healthy for the long haul.
There are some who believe Williamson should sit out the entire season. Gentry and VP David Griffin, though, have given no indication that Williamson will sit out the whole year. Both men have said that Williamson hasn’t suffered any setbacks in his rehab.