It was recently revealed that New Orleans Pelicans rookie sensation Zion Williamson was given special permission to carry on with his rehab in the team's practice facility despite it being closed because of the lockdown.
Christian Clark of NOLA.com reports that the Pelicans submitted a formal request to the league for their young star to be allowed to rehab his torn right lateral meniscus in their facility, even though he returned healthy in January. The NBA granted the team's request, which resulted in Zion doing multiple trips to the practice facility throughout the coronavirus quarantine period.
This is not exactly unprecedented, as the league also gave special permission to other teams for similar reasons. For instance, both Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons of the Philadelphia 76ers were using the Sixers' practice facility during the lockdown.
Pelicans executive vice president for basketball operations David Griffin opened up about their special arrangement. According to the high-ranking executive, this was beneficial for the recovery of Williamson:
“As you guys know, the flexibility aspect with Zion was really critical, so they’ve been able to continue to focus on that,” Griffin said. “They weren’t able to do any court work during that period of time, but they were able to get the work in needed on the table, and so that was important. We’re grateful that the league allowed for that.”
Williamson missed the first few months of the season with the torn meniscus before returning in late January. He averaged 23.6 points, 6.8 rebounds and 2.2 assists in 19 games before the season shut down.
Griffin also revealed that aside from Zion, 6-foot-6 forward Kenrich Williams was also permitted to use the facility during the quarantine period. Williams has been out since early January due to a back injury, and he has likewise been rehabbing in the Pelicans' facility with Zion.
We're sure they've been practicing social distancing, though.
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