Pelicans' Williamson impresses in first scrimmage back

New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson. Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

Pelicans star Zion Williamson impresses in first scrimmage back

By Andrew Kulha | Last updated 9/28/22

Zion Williamson hasn't practiced with the New Orleans Pelicans since May 2020. The star forward missed all of last season with a broken foot, and questions about his health, as well as long-term, staying power as a star in the NBA were all fair game.

Those questions didn't stop the Pelicans from giving Williamson a five-year $194.3M contract extension earlier this summer, pointing to the organization having faith that the 6-foot-6, 244-pound big man can be viable long term — even with his weight, heavier build, and physical playing style.

That faith was rewarded in a small way already, at least. Practicing for the first time since the spring of 2020, Williamson apparently looked incredible in a 5-on-5 scrimmage at a recent two-a-day practice in New Orleans.

"Z looked amazing," Pelicans coach Willie Green told ESPN. "His strength, his speed. He dominated the scrimmage pretty much."

Forward Larry Nance agreed with his coach.

"He looks like Z," Pelicans forward Larry Nance said. "Dude hasn't played basketball for 500-something days. It's not like none of us are expecting that right away but shoot, I got to be honest with you, dude looks good. It's going to take time for everybody to adjust to him. It's going to take him time to adjust to everybody, but it's hard not to be impressed.

"He looks like the same wrecking ball we all know and love. Very pleased to say the least."

It will be interesting to see if Williamson can continue his "wrecking ball" style of play throughout the season and moving forward, but it has to feel good for the Pelicans to see him playing like a No. 1 overall pick should.

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