New Orleans Pelicans rookie Zion Williamson continues to trend in the right direction as his NBA debut appears to be right around the corner. According to ESPN's Andrew Lopez, Zion is expected to participate in 5 on 5 scrimmages with his teammates during Tuesday's practice.
Late last week, ESPN reported that the No. 1 overall pick needed about three or four more practices before the team would clear him to take the "preseason assessment test" that would allow him to make his highly anticipated NBA debut. Zion participated in a full practice last Thursday, which marked the first time that he had been able to do so since undergoing surgery on a torn meniscus.
Prior to the Pelicans' loss to the Utah Jazz on Monday night, the team's social media account shared some footage of Zion throwing down a few dunks which certainly had fans itching with excitement.
Williamson, who averaged 23.3 points and 6.5 rebounds per game during the preseason, was awarded the AP Player of the Year in a landslide after posting 22.6 points, 8.9 rebounds, 2.1 steals and 1.8 blocks per game in his freshman season at Duke.
The Pelicans are currently sitting in 14th place in the West with a record of 12-25, and they're obviously going to be overly cautious in their approach to Zion's return. That said, it certainly seems as though it won't be long now before he's back on the floor.
Zion Williamson Provides Injury Update, Speaks On Possible Return Date
Zion took part in his first practice today since undergoing surgery.
New Orleans Pelicans rookie Zion Williamson took part in a full practice on Thursday, marking the first time that he has been able to do so since undergoing surgery on a torn meniscus. Needless to say, this is an encouraging update for Pelicans fans and NBA fans alike, as there were some murmurs that the No. 1 pick could miss his entire rookie season.
Earlier this week Shams Charania reported that Zion and the Pelicans were hopeful that he'd make his NBA debut sometime in January.
"Williamson is expected to return to his first practice shortly after the New Year on Wednesday and I'm told both sides are hopeful of a January season debut for Williamson," said Charania on New Year's Eve.
While January is still the goal, Pelicans head coach Alvin Gentry informed the media today that Williamson will not play in the team's upcoming two-game road trip which includes a Friday night showdown against the Western Conference-leading Los Angeles Lakers.
The Pelicans are currently sitting in 14th place in the West with a record of 11-23, and they're obviously going to be overly cautious in their approach to Zion's return. That said, it certainly seems as though it won't be long now before he makes his highly anticipated NBA debut.
Check out the videos embedded below to hear what Zion had to say about his imminent return following Thursday's practice.
