New Orleans Pelicans: Zion “not close” to a return

The New Orleans Pelicans have had a nightmarish start to their season. Through the first 12 games, the only thing they have been successful at is being the worst. There 1-12 mark is the worst in the NBA after losing an 8th consecutive game.

Most of that stretch has been without either of the franchise’s star players in Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram. It looks like one-half of that equation will not be inserted back into the lineup anytime soon.

While appearing on The Pat McAfee Show, Athletic reporter Shams Charania shared the news that Zion is “not close” to returning to the Pelicans. He said the organization has continuously pushed Zion’s timetable to return backward, and it’s unknown when he could see the court again.

During Media Day, it was revealed that the former #1 overall pick suffered a foot injury in the off-season that required surgery. The insinuation was he wouldn’t be ready for opening day but should be good to go not too far after that. Now a month into the season, that judgment was laughably wrong.

What should the New Orleans Pelicans do with Zion Williamson?

The more time that elapses, the more confident I am in saying I don’t think Zion will suit up this season. It doesn’t make sense to play him if the team continues to follow this downward trajectory.

If he comes back, the team risks losing out on premium draft capital or watching him get hurt again. It’s evident the roster constructed by David Griffin is not good enough, so why not mail it in and try to improve the team? The team should focus on helping him get in better shape which will, in turn, limit his injury risk.

The team’s relationship with him already is tarnished enough. Both parties are to blame for certain situations, but that should be irrelevant. There needs to be a reconciliation and an attempt to get Zion’s career back on track.