The Zion Williamson injury saga took another twist on Monday after head coach Willie Green told reporters that the star forward would be out for at least another two to three weeks. Green made it clear that Williamson is making great progress with his injury, saying that doctors were encouraged by the latest set of scans on his fractured right foot.
His return, however, is still up in the air, with Williamson only permitted to do 5-on-0 work with no contact by the Pelicans. Green said that Williamson is doing explosive work with his cutting and running and that he is getting closer and closer to his return.
Williamson still not doing 5-on-5 work
Green admitted that the Pelicans are just being cautious with their franchise player, saying, "It's just one of those injuries where we want to be really diligent, especially with the foot, of being careful when we put him back on the floor at full go."
According to Green, Williamson will undergo another set of scans on his injured foot in two to three weeks to determine if he can finally progress to 5-on-5 work. Green said that Williamson must go through the 5-on-5 to "feel the real grind and bump of playing against competitors." That will be the last step before Williamson is allowed to return to NBA action.
For the time being, Williamson will accompany the Pelicans on their upcoming four-game road trip on the West Coast. Williamson is allowed to participate in practice sessions if the Pelicans are going through plays or walk-throughs.
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Zion's comeback delays add to Pelicans' woes
When the Pelicans announced Williamson's injury on their media day back on September 27, the expectation was that he would be back in action for New Orleans' season opener. That has not happened, obviously, and the latest delay to his comeback will only add to the concerns of Pelicans fans everywhere.
This is the second time in the past three seasons that Williamson has been unavailable to start for New Orleans in the new campaign. Williamson's torn meniscus delayed his debut by 13 weeks in his rookie season.
The Pelicans have struggled mightily without Williamson in their lineup, losing six of their first seven games this season. Williamson dominated for the Pels last season, averaging 27 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 3.7 assists in 61 games.
To make matters worse for the embattled franchise, the Pelicans may also begin their road trip without Brandon Ingram. The All-Star forward missed Saturday's game against the New York Knicks with a sore right hip, and his status for the game against the Phoenix Suns remains uncertain at this stage. Green said that Ingram is questionable for Tuesday's contest, and the Pelicans will check on his condition after their shootaround that morning.
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