Zion Williamson is getting closer to taking the court in an NBA game for the first time.
According to Will Guillory of The Athletic (and other local New Orleans reporters), the 2019 first overall draft pick went through a full practice Thursday for the first time since undergoing surgery in October.
Williamson suffered a torn right lateral meniscus, then was ruled out for 6 to 8 weeks after having the injury repaired on Oct. 21.
The Pelicans (11-23) admitted to being particularly cautious with their top selection’s health, but Zion began working his way into practices a few weeks ago and traveled with the team. On Dec. 28th, the Pelicans showed off Williamson’s progress by tweeting out a video of the rookie dunking pregame.
Head coach Alvin Gentry still would not set a firm date for the rookie’s NBA debut when the coach talked with reporters Thursday.
When asked about how he will know he’s ready to play again, Williamson himself said, “It’ll probably be one of those moments, like when it came to my college decision, I’ll (wake) up and I’ll know,” according to Guillory.