As the New Orleans Pelicans continue their rebuild, the 2021-22 season has gotten off to a very slow start. They’re currently 5-17, which is a bottom five record in the NBA.
With that in mind, they’ve been without their superstar forward Zion Williamson for the entire season. He’s been recovering from a fractured right foot, with the team being overly cautious with their franchise cornerstone to this point.
Over the weekend, the Pelicans announced that Williamson has been cleared to participate in full team activities.
While this doesn’t mean he’s quite ready to take the floor in games, it is a step in the right direction.
Upon his return, New Orleans isn’t expected to become a playoff caliber team. However, they should be better than they are now, as Williamson is one of the best young players in the NBA.
Last season, he made the NBA All-Star team while averaging 27.0 points, 7.2 rebounds and 3.7 assists per contest. With the talent to become the face of the league down the road, the Pelicans should play the long game in bringing him back to action.
