By the time the 2022-23 NBA season rolls around, it will have been about four months since the 2021-22 champions were crowned, and nearly six months since the New Orleans Pelicans’ exciting postseason ended with a heartbreaking loss to the Phoenix Suns — a playoff appearance that marked the franchise’s first since 2018.
It will also have been more than a year and a half since Zion Williamson last appeared on a NBA court. Technically, the world has watched him partake in rehab and ramp-up workouts at Smoothie King Arena prior to Pelicans games, which included some impressive dunks. But the last time he actually logged minutes in on an NBA court was in May of 2021.
And as NBA and Pelicans fans have long-awaited Zion’s return and full recovery from foot surgery, they may finally have a time to look forward to.
Update on Zion:
Recent imaging of Williamson’s right fifth metatarsal showed continued improvement.
Williamson has been cleared in his return to play progression without any restrictions. pic.twitter.com/xZAtf9lyVn
— New Orleans Pelicans (@PelicansNBA) May 26, 2022
New Orleans Pelicans say Zion Williamson has been cleared in his return to play progression without any restrictions.
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) May 26, 2022
There’s no return date mentioned, nor should anyone expect there to be. This, rather, is a little bit of optimism that Williamson should be ready to roll by October, the likely time of the Pelicans’ first game of the 2022-23 season.
New Orleans will enter the new season with tons of excitement. The team had tremendous growth in 2021-22 under first-year coach Willie Green, which saw CJ McCollum join the team via trade, Brandon Ingram develop into a star and rookies Herb Jones and Jose Alvarado make their claims as important role players.
Williamson’s return will only increase expectations and elevate the Pelicans’ ceiling. In 2020-21. he put up 27.0 points, 7.2 rebounds and 3.7 per game en route to an NBA All-Star appearance. He’ll re-insert himself into the starting forward position and add his dominance to what should be a championship-contending roster.
14-of-17 shooting for Zion for 37 PTS | 9 REB | 8 AST@Zionwilliamson x @PelicansNBA pic.twitter.com/PK5tOkjxwQ
— NBA (@NBA) May 2, 2021
Let’s hope all stays well over the coming few months.
