Zion Williamson’s return to the court remains uncertain as the New Orleans Pelicans star continues to recover from a hamstring injury.
NBA insider Shams Charania shared on The Pat McAfee Show that Williamson is “not close to coming back” and will miss at least two more weeks.
Charania reported that Williamson began light basketball activity over the weekend while the Pelicans were in New York to play the Knicks. Despite this progress, his recovery process is expected to be gradual, with no set return date in sight.
The 24-year-old forward entered the 2024-25 season in the best shape of his career but has struggled with recurring hamstring issues.
Despite playing in only six games this season, Williamson has averaged 22.7 points, 8 rebounds, and 5.3 assists in 31 minutes per game.
Concerns about Williamson’s durability have been a recurring theme throughout his career. His injury history, combined with weight and conditioning challenges, has raised questions about his long-term reliability.
This season, Williamson faces added pressure due to contract clauses tied to his performance and health. His salary for future seasons becomes fully guaranteed only if he meets benchmarks for games played and weight management.
Charania confirmed that while the Pelicans have financial options to part ways with Williamson, the organization is committed to keeping him. The team’s primary focus is ensuring he receives the necessary support to stay healthy and contribute for the long term.
The Pelicans are currently in the midst of a challenging season, struggling to find consistency without their star forward. Williamson’s ability to return and remain healthy could be a pivotal factor in the team’s success moving forward.
