Zion Williamson still rehabbing away from Pelicans

The New Orleans Pelicans confirmed on Dec. 16 that All-Star forward Zion Williamson had received a biologic injection into the site of the fracture in his right foot that required him to undergo offseason surgery and that has kept him sidelined for the entire 2021-22 campaign. 

Williamson seems no closer to returning to the lineup as of the first week of the new year. 

New Orleans announced Wednesday that Williamson will continue his rehabilitation away from the team "while remaining under the supervision of the Pelicans medical staff." ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski (h/t Andrew Lopez) reports the 21-year-old is completing rehab work in Portland, Oregon. 

"Since we notified everyone on Dec. 16 of his latest imaging, it was decided then by our medical team to dial his rehab back to only partial weight-bearing activities. He continues along that path," Pelicans executive vice president of basketball operations David Griffin said for the official statement. "We also agreed that in order to put Zion in the best position to succeed, he will rehab away from the team at this time so he can focus on the task at hand." 

Williamson also addressed his multiple setbacks: 

"As you can imagine, this has been a very difficult process for me. I know there’s work to be done in my recovery before I can safely return to the court, but I will continue to put in the time necessary so I can get back on the floor with my team and represent Pelicans fans and the city of New Orleans at the highest level. Basketball means everything to me, and I am thankful for the Pelicans organization and everyone who has surrounded me with love and support throughout this journey — my family, friends, teammates, coaches, staff, fans, and everybody who has stood behind me and uplifted me when I needed it most." 

Without Williamson, the Pelicans have fallen to 13-25 and sit above only the Houston Rockets (10-28) in the Western Conference standings. Logic suggests it's a matter of when, not if, the club ultimately announces Williamson has been shut down through the remainder of the season.