Stepdad Expects Zion Williamson To Return For Pelicans, This Season

The Pelicans are fighting for their play-in tournament lives, and according to Zion Williamson‘s stepdad, help may be on the way.

That’s right, per Lee Anderson, Williamson’s stepdad, Williamson could return in time for the Pelicans’ play-in game. So far, Williamson has missed the entire season after suffering a foot injury over the summer.

Anderson did conceded, however, that the final call will be made by the Pelicans’ medical staff — whether Williamson believes he’s ready or not.

“I expect him to play. If you were to ask Zion, I’m sure he would probably say the same thing,” Anderson told The Jordy Culotta Show, via ESPN’s Andrew Lopez. “But with just a couple of games left, with the magnitude of what’s going on in New Orleans and the opportunity to qualify for the play-in game and possibly get into a seven-game series, that would be off the charts in the city of New Orleans. That would be a plus in New Orleans. That would be a plus for Zion with the way things are right now.

“Do I expect him to play? Certainly I do. That’s on me though. That’s purely me. I don’t think there’s anything else that would hinder him from doing that right now.”

Williamson was cleared to do 1-on-1 work by the Pelicans, but it’s not been determined if he has been able to take part in anything resembling a full practice.

“He’s feeling great,” Anderson said. “Speaking for the Pelicans staff, and not saying any names, they mentioned to me that they are just one player away from being where we need to be at. That was enough for me to know that they are putting some stock in Zion getting healthy and being ready for the long haul.