The New Orleans Pelicans are reportedly hopeful for No. 1 overall pick Zion Williamson to make his NBA debut in January, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic.
Williamson has started participating in on-court training exercises in recent weeks after undergoing knee surgery on Oct. 21. He has progressed to participating in 1-on-1 and 3-on-3 drills with coaches but has not yet been cleared for full contact activities.
The former Duke star has made gradual progress in his recovery and is expected to begin contact drills and practices with the Pelicans in the next week or two as the two sides target a January debut for Williamson.
“I’m told both sides are hopeful of a January season debut for (Zion) Williamson.”
As the calendar shifts to 2020, NBA Insider @ShamsCharania shares the latest on the Pelicans No. 1 pick. pic.twitter.com/uEMBtBocIw
— Stadium (@Stadium) December 31, 2019
Williamson has been traveling with the Pelicans on the road and has been seen putting up shots with the team prior to games. On Saturday, Williamson threw down a one-handed dunk prior to the Pelicans hosting the Indiana Pacers.
While the Pelicans are targetting next month for a debut, the organization will not rush Williamson back to the court though it is certainly an encouraging sign his long-awaited debut could happen sooner than later.
Without Williamson, the Pelicans have posted an 11-23 record after winning four straight games and five out of their last six. The Pelicans are 14th in the Western Conference entering play on Dec. 31.
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