New Orleans Pelicans rookie Zion Williamson has been dealing with a torn lateral meniscus in his right knee through the early stages of this season. He was given a six-to-eight week timetable on Oct. 21, which would leave him out of commission until sometime in December. Despite this fact, the former Duke Blue Devil is in good spirits, and he's attacking his rehabilitation process with fervor.
Via Shams Charania of The Athletic:
Good news for Pelicans and NBA fans alike: Star rookie Zion Williamson (torn meniscus) has been in tremendous spirits and has attacked his rehab, according to sources.
The Pelicans (1-4) have struggled through the early phases of this season without Williamson's services. Their first win of this campaign came on Thursday night, when they defeated the Denver Nuggets, 122-107.
Williamson has already underwent MRI procedures and an arthroscopic surgery. Some analysts thought his weight may have played a role in his injury, but the team isn't planning on monitoring his weigh going forward, according to The Athletic:
Williamson’s rehabilitation could mean less weight-lifting and more strategic planning, but the Pelicans plan to figure out the best method while letting Zion be Zion, and that does not include managing his weight.
Brandon Ingram, Derrick Favors and Nicolo Melli have picked up the slack in Williamson's absence thus far. JJ Redick and Jrue Holiday have also seen upticks in their usage rates. Look for this trend to continue until Zion is well enough to return in earnest.
The Pelicans will be back in action on Saturday, as they're scheduled to face the Oklahoma City Thunder. Tip-off inside Chesapeake Energy Arena is set for 5:00 p.m. ET.