New Orleans Pelicans: Gentry says Zion Williamson will play back-to-backs

After reports early in the season indicated the New Orleans Pelicans would hold Zion Williamson out of certain games, the team has reversed that narrative.

In a decision that’s certain to benefit both the New Orleans Pelicans and fans around the NBA, there’s going to be a little more action for Zion Williamson than many expected.

Missing the first 44 games of the season after tearing his meniscus in the preseason, Williamson is going to continue to see a healthy dose of action as the Pelicans aim for a playoff run.

Before Tuesday night’s game against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Alvin Gentry told reporters that the star rookie would now be available to play in any back-to-back games for the rest of the season.

Earlier in the season, Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations David Griffin said, “[Zion WIlliamson] very likely will not be asked to take the pounding of back-to-backs.”

Appearing in 15 games with the New Orleans Pelicans so far, Williamson has looked pretty healthy, at times almost better than anticipated.

Playing 28.9 minutes per game, Zion averages 24.1 points, 6.8 rebounds, and shoots 59.3% from the floor while continuing to produce jaw-dropping moments on the floor.

Credit is due to the team’s training guru, Aaron Nelson (who wears the title ‘Vice President of Player Care and Performance‘), for the rehabilitation plan constructed to get Zion Williamson back on the court not only in strong shape but in condition to withstand the test of time.

Leaving the Phoenix Suns this offseason for New Orleans, Nelson comes in with high regards from around the league. He’s credited with extending the careers of superstars like Steve Nash, Shaquille O’Neal, and Grant Hill, to name a few.

While some will remain skeptical about his long-term health until he plays a full season, Zion Williamson looks up to the physical test through his first 433 minutes of NBA action.

The news comes in advance of the first of the Pelicans’ consecutive games. Tonight, they’ll host the Timberwolves and hit the road tomorrow for a match with key conference opponent in the Dallas Mavericks.

With this being the first set of four remaining back-to-back series for the Pelicans and Williamson performing at such a high level through his first 15 games, they probably feel pretty confident about the rookie’s ability to stand up to the competition.

Certainly, the level of play from the competition is going to mount as the league’s playoff race is beginning to sweep into full form. The Pelicans intend to be right in the mix, pursuing the eighth-seed that’s currently occupied by the Memphis Grizzlies.

The New Orleans Pelicans have to be excited that Zion Williamson, who is probably the biggest difference-maker on their team at the moment, is going to be ready to roll for the full slate of remaining games.

Williamson is in a race of his own, currently in an active chase for the Rookie of the Year award, though he seems likely to at least wind up as a member of All-Rookie First Team.

Heading into their final 22 games of the season, the Pelicans are going to have to claw their way into the playoffs, but with Williamson healthy and their schedule starting to ease, it seems the team is finally catching some breaks.