Report: Zion Williamson Returning to New Orleans for Next Step in Foot Rehab

Williamson was rehabbing his foot in Portland under team supervision.

Zion Williamson is taking a positive step in his rehab from foot surgery.

The Athletic’s Shams Charania reports Williamson is returning to New Orleans and is cleared to move forward with basketball activities. Williamson had been rehabbing his foot in Portland.

Pelicans’ Zion Williamson is returning to New Orleans after spending time in Portland for his foot rehab, sources tell me and @WillGuillory. Williamson is cleared to progress in basketball activities. Pelicans have won four straight games and are in playoff race.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) March 5, 2022

Williamson hasn't played this season after having surgery to repair a fractured right foot in the offseason. He was originally cleared for basketball activities on Nov. 26, but he suffered a setback in December and was shut down from basketball activities.

In early January, the Pelicans announced that Williamson would rehab his foot away from the team, while it supervised his progress.

According to reporter Andrew Lopez, Williamson will continue his rehab at the team facility while the Pelicans play on the road, but he will be around the team when New Orleans plays at home.

The initial plan for Zion Williamson upon his return to New Orleans is to remain back while the team travels as he continues his rehab at the team facility, sources tell ESPN.

But he will be around the team when they are in the city.

— Andrew Lopez (@_Andrew_Lopez) March 5, 2022

While recovering from his injury, Williamson has still been at the center of the conversation for the Pelicans. He initially didn’t reach out to C.J. McCollum when New Orleans traded for the star guard, which led former Pelicans guard JJ Redick to criticize Williamson’s “lack of investment.”

After a rough start to the season, the Pelicans are now playing well without Williamson. New Orleans has won four straight, five of its last seven, and nine of its last 13 games. The team currently occupies the No. 10 seed in the Western Conference, only a half game behind the Lakers for the No. 9 seed.

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