Pelicans Clear Zion Williamson for Return “Without Any Restrictions”

Zion Williamson with the Duke Blue Devils in 2019
Zion Williamson with the Duke Blue Devils in 2019. Photo by Jacob Kupferman/CSM/REX/Shutterstock (10157476ah)

The New Orleans Pelicans have issued an update about the status of their young star forward Zion Williamson. According to the announcement made by the team earlier this week, Williamson “has been cleared in his return to play progression without any restrictions.”

The Pelicans added that the test on Williamson’s right foot showed “continued improvement.” The former first overall pick missed all of the 2021-22 campaign after undergoing surgery to address a foot fracture he suffered during one workout.

Now that Williamson is cleared to return, the expectation is that he’ll be a full participant in the team’s offseason activities and training camp. If this turns out to be the case and the Duke product avoids further setbacks, New Orleans will probably target to start playing him as soon as the 2022-23 NBA season tips off.

When Zion Williamson entered the league in 2019, he was expected to be the face of the Pelicans and future NBA star. Unfortunately, the injuries have prevented him from meeting expectations so far, although there is no doubt he possesses an immense talent. Williamson played 85 games as a pro, averaging 25.7 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game. He also has an NBA All-Star nod from 2021.

Gunner's favorite movies are Pulp Fiction, Iron Man (just the first one), and every James Bond film ever made. He's learning TV and cinema and hoping to always enjoy movies as he does now.