Zion Williamson: Questions Linger for Pelicans

Despite the recent news of Zion Williamson progressing to weight-bearing exercises and basketball drills, one questions still linger.

Author:
Chris Dodson
Updated:
Mar 5, 2022 7:27 AM EST

Despite the recent news of Zion Williamson progressing to weight-bearing exercises and basketball drills, questions still linger:

Will he play this season, or ever, for the New Orleans Pelicans?
The answer is simple but leads to the next big question.

Nov 3, 2021; Sacramento, California, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (1) looks on during the fourth quarter against the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-USA TODAY Sports

POSITIVE NEWS ON ZION

A day after Mardi Gras, the New Orleans Pelicans provide a shot of encouraging news to cure most moderate hangovers. Per the team's official release, "Recent imaging showed improved bone healing of the fifth metatarsal in Zion Williamson's right foot. He will gradually progress to full weight-bearing exercise and basketball activities." Still, sadly, Williamson "remains out indefinitely."

This news also came after Williamson spent All-Star week dealing with increased scrutiny due to CJ McCollum stating the pair had yet to speak days after the Pelicans/Portland trade was official. Once the team gathered back in New Orleans, the Pelicans defended Zion wholeheartedly. The newly acquired McCollum was a leading voice, demanding the media, "Leave the young fella alone, man. He's trying to rehab in peace, trying to get himself ready to come back."

In December, Zion suffered a setback and required a bone injection to stimulate bone healing in his foot. The Pelicans were barely in the play-in conversation. New Orleans is 10th in the Western Conference and trails the Lakers by a game for 9th and a play-in home game with 21 games left to the regular season.

THE QUESTIONS

With all this good news and positive momentum, the conversation eventually landed on the three biggest questions the franchise has to answer: When will Zion Williamson actually play for the New Orleans Pelicans again? Should it be this season, and how? Could he be traded?!

The answers are simple yet hinges on the biggest' If's' in New Orleans sporting history: If Aaron Nelson and the Pelicans clear Williamson and want to play for New Orleans. He should play when cleared and ready. Assuming he is cleared and wants to play, breaking down the options leads to the next big question between team and player.

Nov 12, 2021; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Injured New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson during the first quarter against the Brooklyn Nets at the Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports

TRADE PARTNERS?

There are no "ifs" on possible trade partners. The entire league would make multiple calls to David Griffin even if it required burner phones. Still, the trade talk by the national media is a non-starter. Williamson has given no indication he wants to bolt the Big Easy. This is not the time for any trade considerations or discussions. Calls would be rebuffed immediately. New Orleans holds all the leverage, and no package could tempt the team to pass off Williamson's potential while still on his rookie contract. This brings us to Williamson's next appearance with the Pelicans.

CLARIFY INDEFINITE

The word "indefinitely" could mean Williamson will not return this season. It makes sense not to rush anything at this point. With only weeks to go in the season, he is just now moving to weight-bearing and basketball activities. To my understanding, the best-case scenario for a 2022 regular-season debut would be late-March to early April. Two weeks of intensified therapy plus a couple more weeks practicing with the team would fit his last return to the rotation. That would give the Pelicans roughly 7-10 games to work Zion back into the team. (Possibly even TWO games against the Los Angeles Lakers!)

That's the "when" answered. Then comes, "How?" That might be the next tough conversation between the team and Williamson.

Sep 27, 2021; New Orleans, LA, USA; Zion Williamson during a press conference at the New Orleans Pelicans Media Day. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Wevers-USA TODAY Sports

These New Orleans Pelicans logging minutes have earned the right to see out in what they started. They are having fun and just now learning how great they can be together. Sure, they know Zion would add tremendous talent to the team, but the organization has no reason to rush him back and disrupt the chemistry. Williamson might have hated the spurts, but easing him as a reserve would allow him to close quarters against second units while also knocking off some rust.

HOW TO GET ZION'S GROOVE BACK

By answering "when" Williamson should play, the question becomes "how" he should be incorporated should he return this season. The solution will possibly require some good-faith compromises but will be an approach that looks out for all Pelicans players, respects their process to get to this point in the season, and gives them the best chance to win.

This playoff push is essential for the franchise's culture. Griffin wanted to build a sustainable contender. Sure, Williamson's 27 points a night would be worked into the starting lineup soon, but this move goes beyond this season. If he is cleared and wants to play this season, working Williamson back in as a reserve could go a long way to show what's most important to the franchise's future.

And who knows what could happen should the New Orleans Pelicans parade into the NBA Playoffs. Williamson would never be on the second line for long. With the right luck, "it's still possible" Williamson could be starting a playoff game against Steph Curry or Chris Paul by Good Friday!