METAIRIE (La. New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson, a New Orleans Pelicans player, is making progress in his rehabilitation from a fractured right leg. However, his return to play remains uncertain.
Willie Green, Pelicans coach, told reporters Monday that Williamson's latest scans were encouraging and that Williamson can do 5-on-1 work but not contact.
"He is cutting. He is doing incredible work. He is running. Green stated that he is getting closer to the goal. It's one of those injuries that we want to be very careful with, especially when he gets back on the ground at full speed.
Green stated that Williamson will be subject to another set of scans within two to three weeks. This will allow him to determine if he is able to move to 5-on-5 work.
Green stated, "I believe he needs to go through some that to see his true potential." "You must feel the grind and bump of playing against rivals. He hasn't yet done that part.
Williamson will travel along the team's four-game West Coast road trip. If the team is performing plays or walk-throughs, Williamson can participate in practice.
Green stated, "We just want him to keep moving in the right direction without any setbacks."
Williamson's injury was announced by the Pelicans at September's media day. There was initially hope that Williamson would be back in time for the start to the regular season. However, it was later confirmed that he would miss even more time.
Williamson is now unavailable for the first half of Williamson's third season. A torn meniscus prevented Williamson from debuting in his first season by 13 weeks.
The Pelicans are currently at 1-6 without Williamson. Jonas Valanciunas, Pelicans center, said that the team is eager to see Williamson return.
Valanciunas stated that it would be a different look for the team. He's an important piece for us. We need him back. Then we'll see what everything looks like."
The Pelicans begin their road trip Tuesday night in Phoenix. Brandon Ingram, their All-Star forward, could not be there.
Ingram was injured in his right hip and missed Saturday's Knicks game. Green stated that Ingram was questionable for Saturday's game against the Knicks. The team will assess how Ingram feels after Tuesday's shootaround.
