New Orleans Pelicans head coach Alvin Gentry said on Thursday that the organization will not rush first-round pick Zion Williamson back from knee surgery.
The No.1 overall selection underwent arthroscopic surgery on Oct. 21 to address a torn right lateral meniscus and was given a 6-8 week timetable to return, which would have him returning to the court in early December.
Williamson told a group of reporters on Nov. 7 in his first public appearance since the surgery that he is taking his rehab day by day, adding that he would not rush back to the court.
On Thursday, his head coach reiterated that statement.
Everything is fine. Everything is progressing as it should. It’s a time thing. We’re not going to rush it and he’s not going to rush it. As far as the progress that he’s making, everything is fine and right on time.
"Everything is progressing as it should."
"He deserved another chance."
"I don't see any redeeming value in it whatsoever." #Pelicans coach Alvin Gentry gives update on injured Zion Williamson, praises #Suns coach Monty Williams and shares thoughts on #NBA challenge rule. pic.twitter.com/04tP14XEhw
— Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) November 21, 2019
Williamson previously suffered an injury to his right knee last season at Duke after he attempted to make a cut on the floor when his Nike shoe blew out. He also suffered a bone bruise on his left knee that limited him to just one game in Summer League so the Pelicans will certainly take their time with his recovery.
Without Williamson, the Pelicans are 5-9 this season after winning four out of their last six games heading into Thursday night’s matchup against the Phoenix Suns.
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