The New Orleans Pelicans on Friday announced that Zion Williamson has been cleared for 4 on 4 full court practice. This is great news as WIlliamson has been out recovering from off season surgery on his right ankle. There is currently no timetable for his return but the fact that he is cleared to begin practicing full court is encouraging. The Pelicans are currently 4-16 so whenever Williamson returns it will be greatly welcomed.
The question becomes if WIlliamson returns by Christmas could the Pelicans fight to get into Play in Games this year. I do not see the Pelicans making the play in the game even if Williamson returns by Christmas. The Western Conference is very deep and also from a talent perspective I thought they would struggle even if WIlliamson was available at the beginning of the season. It will be interesting to see if the Pelicans let Williamson go full speed without any minute restrictions once he is available to make his season debut.
History suggests the Pelicans will have Williamson on a minutes restriction once he returns to action. I think that Williamson is eager to get back on the court and prove he is not injury prone and also to show that he has tried to improve his game. WIlliamson is entering his 3rd season and his career up to this point has been a bit underwhelming due to not seeing him on the court much over his first 3 years. I look forward to WIilliamson’s return and hope his injury history will be behind him.
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