DALLAS (105.3 The Fan) - Pelicans rookie and number one overall pick Zion Williamson will miss the first 6-8 weeks of the regular season after undergoing surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his right knee, the Pelicans said Monday.
The story was first reported by the Athletics Shams Charania.
Pelicans rookie star Zion Williamson underwent arthroscopic surgery for torn meniscus in right knee and will be out 6-to-8 weeks.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) October 21, 2019The Pelicans are scheduled to play 20-30 games within that time frame, with the likely date for return somewhere between early to mid-December.
Williamson, who is arguably the most touted NBA prospect to emerge from the draft since LeBron James in 2003, had an extremely productive preseason averaging 23.3 points, 6.5 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.5 steals in just 27.3 minutes per game.
Williamson missed the final game of the preseason with the injury.
The new-look Pelicans will now head into their opening-night matchup against the Toronto Raptors without their biggest star, as they will turn to veteran Jrue Holiday, as well as new additions Lonzo Ball, J.J. Redick, Derrick Favors, and Brandon Ingram to lead the way in Williamson's absence.
The Pelicans will host the Dallas Mavericks for their home opener in their second game of the season on October 25th in New Orleans.
