Pelicans Issue Surprising Zion Williamson Health Update
The Pelicans issued a surprising Zion Williamson health update this week.
Williamson, the odds-on favorite to be the Rookie if the Year coming into this season, has not played a single game through the first 21 games.
Following successful preseason stint, Williamson went down with a torn right lateral meniscus and was forced to have surgery on it.
The initial prognosis was that he would be out six to eight weeks. However, with us nearing the eight-week mark shortly, many began to wonder if Williamson’s recovery was going slower than expected.
On Friday, New Orleans GM David Griffin decided to address the speculation.
“From the very beginning, (the timetable) was put at a six-to-eight week recovery,” Griffin said.
“He continues to progress. He’s progressing very well. He feels very good about his process. Eight weeks is several days from now.
“If we get outside of (eight weeks on Williamson’s timetable), it will be because he hasn’t met the metrics for return to play, that are laid out for him and every player on our team.
“We have been much more cautious in how we’ve ramped him up from stage to stage, because he’s 19 and he’s still growing, and he was 285 pounds when he had the surgery.”
During his four preseason games Williamson averaged more than 23 points per game. With the Pelicans currently sitting at 6-15 through 21 games, his return is something the team desperately needs right now.
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Charles Kruger has been credentialed to cover two Super Bowls, four NBA Finals, and one World Series. A 20-year veteran in the sports world, he has sources spanning the NBA, MLB, NFL, UFC and NASCAR. Currently residing in Los Angeles, Calif., he is Game 7’s go-to source for rumors surrounding the Lakers, Clippers and Dodgers.
