No. 1 overall pick Zion Williamson was a full participant in practice on Thursday with the New Orleans Pelicans for the first time since undergoing knee surgery on Oct. 21.
Williamson has started participating in on-court training exercises in recent weeks. He has made gradual progression in his recovery as Williamson and the Pelicans are hopeful for a debut this month but head coach Alvin Gentry would not settle on an official return date.
The former Duke star 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.
Gentry Zion Williamson was able to go through a full practice today. First time since his surgery.
— Will Guillory (@WillGuillory) January 2, 2020
Williamson appears to be close to making his official NBA debut after practicing with the Pelicans on Thursday. The Pelicans have said previously that they would want Williamson to participate in about three or four practices before returning.
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.
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