Pelicans' Zion Williamson could return during playoffs
Zion Williamson is currently dealing with a hamstring injury he sustained during the play-in tournament. The New Orleans Pelicans are navigating their first-round matchup against the Oklahoma City Thunder without their star talent.
According to Shams Charania, who appeared on Thursday's episode of FanDuel TV's "Run it Back," the Duke product believes he could return to the Pelicans' rotation during the postseason. However, New Orleans would need to overcome the Thunder for that to be possible.
"Zion Williamson is hopeful that as the playoffs go on, potentially he could make a return," Charania said. "...Realistically, from my senses, the Pelicans would have to make it out of the 1st round to open up his window for a return...Hamstrings are tricky...Last season, Zion Williamson missed several months with a hamstring injury."
The Pelicans currently trail the Thunder 2-0. Without Zion in the rotation, their chances of making it out of the first round are slim. As such, we are unlikely to see the Duke product again this season. Instead, he will have plenty of time to heal before heading into his offseason workout program.
Zion played in 70 games this season. He averaged 22.9 points, 5.8 rebounds and 5 assists per game, shooting 57% from the field. The Pelicans will likely continue to build around their 23-year-old star. NBA fans around the world will undoubtedly be hoping to see him in the playoffs, either in the second round or at the end of next season.
Nevertheless, this was Zion's healthiest season since entering the NBA. He grew in stature as the season wore on. If he can begin to string years like this together while also taking care of his body, a playoff run isn't too far into the future. He still has the strength and athleticism to be a major postseason force in the coming years.
More must-reads: