Zion Williamson Cleared For One-On-One Drills

Pelicans forward Zion Williamson has been cleared for takeoff — or at least one-on-one drills.

According to a team release, the former No. 1 overall pick can now participate in contact drills and is taking steps toward a return. He will then undergo more medical imaging on Nov. 24, when he could be cleared for full practices.

For now, though, he can at least get in some one-on-one and start moving more on the court.

Williamson, 21, is 6-foot-7 and averaged 27.0 points, 7.2 rebounds and 3.7 assists in 61 games last season.

Coach Willie Green told reporters that back on Nov. 1 that Williamson has been able to practice, just not in a five-on-five setting. 

“He’s cutting, doing some work on the floor,” reported Will Guillory of The Athletic. “He still isn’t cleared to do any 5-on-5 work. The plan is for him to get another round of scans in 2-3 weeks that’ll free him up to be a full participant in practice.”

The Pelicans (2-14) sure could use Williamson, and probably a lot more help, too.