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Andrew LopezESPN
New Orleans PelicansForward Zion WilliamsonAlthough he has made progress to full-court work, there is no set timetable for his return to competitive play.
Williamson took part in a pregame scrim with Pelicans’ player development coaches, and some players at or near the end of the roster. This was Willie Green’s announcement on Thursday before New Orleans’ match against the Pelicans. Portland Trail Blazers.
“But he is playing in a controlled scrim. Green stated that this is where he has progressed to. “Past this, there’s not an update on him. He is exactly where he should be.”
Williamson is still listed as injured and the team states that he will be out indefinitely.
Williamson moved to one-on-1 therapy on March 23. He also recently traveled with New Orleans to continue his rehabilitation work with the Pelicans’ training staff.
Green said, “The beauty is that it’s nice to see him on the court.” He feels more normal because he can play basketball. He wants to do that. This is what he enjoys doing. We just want him as healthy as possible and to continue his progress.
New Orleans has three remaining games in the regular season. Thursday against Portland, Saturday against Portland. MemphisThen, on Sunday, we return home against Golden State.
The Pelicans have been selected for the play-in tournament. They will play San Antonio in the 9-10 game, though the host is yet to be decided. The Pelicans will be in the 9-10 game against San Antonio if they beat the loser of their 7-8 game. This would make them the first team to reach the playoffs since 2017-18. Williamson hasn’t played in any games this season since fracturing the bone in his right foot during the offseason.
Lee Anderson, Williamson’s stepdad, spoke Tuesday to “The Jordy Culotta” in Baton Rouge. said that he “expects” Williamson to play this season.
“I expect him play. Anderson said that Zion would likely say the exact same thing if he was asked. There are only a few more games, but with the New Orleans scale and the possibility to play in the play-in and possibly be in a seven-game series, it would be an incredible time in New Orleans. This would be a positive for New Orleans. This would be a great thing for Zion, given the current situation.
“Do I expect him play? Yes, I do. But that’s up to me. That’s all I have to say. There is nothing that could stop him doing this right now, I believe.”