Pelicans power forward Zion Williamson has officially rejoined the team and was at shootaround on Friday, as relayed by Andrew Lopez of ESPN and others.
The former No. 1 overall pick has yet to play in a game this season after undergoing foot surgery over the summer. He had been away from the Pelicans, rehabbing the injury in Portland.
His return doesn’t mean he will be playing in games anytime soon. But it’s a positive sign, and both Williamson and the Pelicans could use a dose of good news related to his return.
“It’s good. It’s good for him,” Pelicans guard Devonte’ Graham said, via Christian Clark of NOLA.com. “I know he missed being here. Just being around your family, your brothers. It was a warm welcome when he came back. Just want to see him healthy. That’s all.”
Zion is at shootaround pic.twitter.com/BSKOsohPlU
— Christian Clark (@cclark_13) March 11, 2022
The Pelicans (27-39) enter Friday in the 10th spot in the Western Conference, good enough for the final spot in the play-in tournament. But they will be without Brandon Ingram (hamstring) for at least a week, as well as CJ McCollum (COVID protocol) for several games.
Those two, with Williamson, would make them a fairly dangerous play-in opponent. The question is, however, if Williamson will actually be healthy enough to finally take the floor this season.
On the down side, as we relayed last month, Williamson may not have complete faith in Pelicans lead executive David Griffin and the front office.
Per Clark’s inside look at the situation, Williamson and his representatives “didn’t trust” Griffin “to be truthful” after Williamson injured his knee prior to his rookie season in 2019.
Sam Amico is senior NBA writer at Hoops Wire. Follow @AmicoHoops.
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