The date Zion Williamson might return to an NBA game remains a mystery, but the latest update from the New Orleans Pelicans at least indicates that date is getting closer.
Recent imaging tests showed the star forward has seen "improved bone healing" in the foot that's kept him out of action all season, the Pelicans announcedd Wednesday afternoon.
"He will gradually progress to full weight-bearing exercise and basketball activities," the release stated, before adding: "He remains out indefinitely."
It's another entry in a saga of updates on Williamson's health that is light on clarifying details, but it's at least one that strikes a positive chord. It isn't clear if the update is ruling out additional surgery that was reported last month as potentially necessary.
Pelicans head coach Willie Green addressed the update, but confirmed a Zion return won't be any time soon.
“It’s still a long road ahead of him and he’s aware of it," Green said. "But he’s taken the necessary steps to continue to improve and we'll see how it goes.”
Asked directly if he knew of any timeline to a return to "weight-bearing" activities: "I don't."
Williamson has not played in his third NBA season due to the foot injury. Confusion and missed timelines for his potential return began from Day 1, with little apparent movement in the way back to the court for the former No. 1 overall pick. In January it was reported that Williamson would continue his rehab away from the team and get back to playing health out in Portland, Oregon.
Since that point, there's been little in the way of hope of Williamson quickly returning, though GM Trajan Langdon did speak with the Pelicans star in February. The story of that meeting was told through David Griffin, along with the sentiment that Williamson was thrilled to hear the news that his team had traded for Portland Trail Blazers star CJ McCollum. But it was the later news that Williamson had not reached out to his new teammate that led to a recent firestorm questioning his desire to play in New Orleans. Former Pelicans shooting guard JJ Redick loudly criticized Zion as a "detached teammate" in response to the news.
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But however that story unfolds, the healthy Pelicans roster has done its job to ensure this year's team is an attractive one to return to. New Orleans and first-year head coach Willie Green has weathered a 3-16 start to the year to go 22-20 since that point, now holding a 25-36 record that currently lands the Pels in the 10th and final playoff seed. More recently the Pelicans bounced back from losses in four-of-five games with wins over the last two champions in the Phoenix Suns and L.A. Lakers, admittedly without Chris Paul or Anthony Davis. McCollum averaged 27 points, 5.5 rebounds and 6 assists in those games, alongside Brandon Ingram's 23.5, 5 and 7.5.
There isn't much wiggle room for the Pelicans, in a virtual tie with the same Blazers team that jettisoned McCollum. But it's no question the Pelicans have a road to the playoffs in front of them, which only become less treacherous if and when it gets its superstar back on the court.
The Pelicans are back in action on Wednesday when they host the Sacramento Kings (23-40).
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