No. 1 overall pick Zion Williamson will participate in 5-on-5 drills Tuesday in practice for the first time since undergoing knee surgery on Oct. 21, the New Orleans Pelicans’ broadcast team revealed on Monday night during a 128-126 loss to the Utah Jazz.
Williamson returned to practice for the first time last Thursday as the former Duke star continues to make progression in his recovery. The Pelicans are hopeful that Williamson can make his official NBA debut sometime in January but have not settled on a return date.
The Pelicans have said previously that they would want Williamson to participate in about three or four practices before returning with his second practice to occur on Tuesday. The team has faced a busy schedule, playing four games in six days, and hasn’t practiced much.
Prior to the game on Monday night, Williamson was seen throwing down several one-handed dunks and even caught an alley-oop from a member of the training staff.
Soon đź‘€@Zionwilliamson | #WontBowDown pic.twitter.com/bqKSbbVguA
— New Orleans Pelicans (@PelicansNBA) January 7, 2020
The Pelicans have long stated that they will not rush Williamson back to the court but it appears as though the former high school phenom is close to a return.
Without Williamson, the Pelicans have posted a 12-25 record after losing a controversial decision against the Jazz on Monday. The Pelicans are 14th in the Western Conference.
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