Could New Orleans Pelicans rookie Zion Williamson make his long-awaited season debut this week? It seems to be a possibility.
According to Mitch Lawrence of SiriusXM NBA Radio, Williamson could make his debut for the Pelicans on Thursday night against the Utah Jazz.
However, Will Guillory of The Athletic tempered expectations, saying that there “still isn't a planned date in mind” and that the Pelicans want to evaluate Williamson in at least one more five-on-five practice before circling any dates.
Regardless, it does seem that Williamson is getting close to returning.
The rookie phenom has been sidelined since the preseason as a result of a torn meniscus, which required surgery.
Zion Williamson, who played his collegiate basketball at Duke, was selected by New Orleans with the first overall pick of the NBA Draft back in June and is considered by many to be the most interesting prospect since LeBron James.
However, the last year has certainly not been easy for Williamson, as he has experienced three different knee injuries. It started when he twisted his knee after his shoe exploded during a game against North Carolina last February, and then, during Summer League, he banged knees with a New York Knicks player. Williamson proceeded to develop more knee issues in preseason.
For a 280-pound specimen who relies heavily on his athleticism to be effective, having multiple knee problems this early on is certainly concerning, but the Pels are in wait-and-see mode with the 19-year-old, just like everyone else.
The Pelicans are 14-26 on the season.
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