NBA Notes: Hawks, Trae Young, Pelicans, Zion Williamson, Kevon Harris

Hawks

The Hawks say Trae Young is expected to return to practice next week as he continues to ramp up his reconditioning work.

Young has been sidelined since suffering a right knee MCL sprain on Oct. 29 against Brooklyn.

Despite months of speculation about whether Atlanta might consider moving its franchise guard, the organization remains focused on getting Young back on the floor. ESPN’s Shams Charania recently reported that the Hawks believe Young will “elevate” the group once he returns, signaling patience rather than pivot.

Young, for his part, has expressed optimism about playing again later this month. For now, Atlanta is treating his return as a boost to the roster rather than a turning point for larger decisions.

Pelicans

Zion Williamson is suddenly back in the mix, and far earlier than expected.

Pelicans coach James Borrego said Williamson practiced Saturday and will be listed as questionable for Sunday’s game in Chicago, according to Jim Eichenhofer of Pelicans.com.

The update comes just 11 days after ESPN’s Shams Charania reported Williamson was expected to miss at least three weeks with a right adductor injury that the team labeled a Grade 2 strain.

New Orleans never provided a firm timetable, which led many to believe the absence would stretch into January. In fact, The Athletic reported last week that some within the organization thought Williamson would not return until after the new year.

Instead, he is already back on the practice floor.

Williamson has missed the past six games with the adductor issue and also sat out eight games in November with a left hamstring strain. Availability has long been the question, not production.

Through 10 games this season, the former No. 1 overall pick is averaging 22.1 points, 5.6 rebounds, 4.0 assists and 1.6 steals in just under 31 minutes per game.

International

China’s Xinjiang Flying Tigers have agreed to a contract with guard Kevon Harris, according to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype.

Harris was waived by Houston on Dec. 2 to make room for Tyler Smith after spending time on a two-way deal with the Rockets. He did not appear in a game for Houston but averaged 19.4 points and 6.1 rebounds in eight outings with the G League’s Rio Grande Valley Vipers.

The 28-year-old appeared in 36 NBA games with Orlando from 2022-24, averaging 4.0 points and 2.0 rebounds in 12.9 minutes per contest. He has consistently excelled at the G League level, earning MVP honors at the NBAGL Next Up Game during All-Star weekend last February.

Last season, Harris averaged 19.8 points, 6.7 rebounds, 3.9 assists and 1.4 steals across 44 games with the College Park Skyhawks, Atlanta’s affiliate, before signing with Houston in July.