No. 1 overall pick Zion Williamson said on Thursday after practice that he didn’t initially want to start for the New Orleans Pelicans upon returning from his knee injury.
Williamson has played in four games since returning on Jan. 22 and has started in each of those contests. He instead wanted to come off of the bench to get adjusted to the flow of the game but believes his teammates have helped him become acclimated to the game.
“At first, my thoughts were, ‘I don’t think I want to start, I think I want to come off the bench so I can get the flow of the game so I can fit in,'” Williamson said. “I think my teammates have really helped me with adjusting to that.”
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Prior to his return, there was talk that the Pelicans would bring Williamson off of the bench to play in short bursts. During his first few games, Williamson would log 3-5 minutes to begin each quarter before sitting as the team eased him back into action.
Williamson has since seen a gradual increase in playing time after logging a season-high 30 minutes on Tuesday night against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Williamson is averaging 18 points, 8.3 rebounds and 1.5 assists in 24 minutes per game so far with the Pelicans.
The Pelicans play next on Friday vs. Ja Morant and the Memphis Grizzlies.
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