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The New Orleans Pelicans are in the thick of the West play-in race and made the acquisition of CJ McCollum at the trade deadline to help in that effort. The real question for New Orleans is when prized power forward Zion Williamson can return. If Williamson comes back with a few games left, he can swing the playoff picture in New Orleans’ favor.
Zion Williamson injury updates
April 5 update: It’s hard to call this an update, because head coach Willie Green said there are no official updates on Williamson. The forward is getting on the floor, so at least that’s a sign of some progress. However, it doesn’t look like Williamson will be a part of the play-in tournament if the Pelicans make it.
When asked, Willie Green said had no official update on Zion Williamson’s progress. “He’s getting on the floor, doing what he’s supposed to do but no further updates.”
— Andrew Lopez (@_Andrew_Lopez) April 6, 2022
March 22 update: Williamson posted an IG story of him doing a dunk, so he’s clearly getting enough lift from the foot. The question now is whether the Pelicans bring him back this season with the play-in tournament close.
Zion Williamson just posted this to his IG story:
— Andrew Lopez (@_Andrew_Lopez) March 23, 2022
(And if you’re wondering if it’s recent, he’s wearing his new Zion 2 shoe in it) pic.twitter.com/0Xy1EAmAww
March 2 update: Williamson is not expected to return to play this season, per Shams Charania of The Athletic. Charania also adds that Zion is making progress towards on-court work and returned to New Orleans a couple of weeks ago after rehabbing his foot injury in Portland. The former No. 1 overall pick has been cleared to gradually progress in basketball activities and has been attending New Orleans Pelicans home games.
Williamson hasn’t played at all this season as his foot issue has evolved in many ways. He’s been training away from the team but hopes to come back at some point for a key stretch for New Orleans. The good news is his foot appears to be healing as expected and he can progress to basketball activity.
Pelicans say Zion Williamson is showing improved bone healing in right foot and will gradually progress to full weight-bearing exercise and basketball activity.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) March 2, 2022
It remains to be seen whether the Pelicans will be in position to bring Williamson back, as he’s still got a couple hurdles to clear and there isn’t much season left.