Zion Williamson posts shirtless, between-the-legs dunk amid speculation

The speculation about Zion Williamson and the New Orleans Pelicans just won’t die.

We thought the “will Zion return” question may have been answered, as it was widely reported by Shams Charania and others that he would not return this season.

But neither Zion nor the team ever made an announcement, leaving the door open for his return as the Pels try to push for the play-in and hopefully a spot in the playoffs.

Obviously, there would be some bumps trying to work him back into the lineup but a big three of Zion, Brandon Ingram and CJ McCollum would be pretty scary for opponents in the play-in tournament and beyond.

It’s still unlikely that he returns, but Zion Williamson had a response to the people who have written him off, in the form of an incredible between-the-legs dunk video that got Pels’ fans hope up once again.

Zion Williamson’s shirtless dunk sets off more speculation

Zion posted this on his Instagram account, almost in response to all of the critics:

First off, doesn’t look so fat, huh?

We’ve had to endure endless fat jokes since Zion has been out, so I’m sure this shirtless video was somewhat strategic.

Secondly, he doesn’t look too injured to me. I know there is a difference between dunking a ball in practice and playing in an NBA game, but if Zion feels comfortable pulling off between-the-legs dunks off the glass, then hopefully he’s close to going 100 percent in practice and eventually games.

The Pels are comfortably in the 10th position, so it’s not like they need to rush Zion back to make the play-in spot, but there are real reasons to go for the 9th seed due to the draft pick they have coming from the Lakers, and beyond that, it would be nice to end this up and down season on a high note with the team at full strength.

This is the story that just won’t die for the Pelicans this season, but Zion has finally broken his silence with a thunderous dunk, looks to be in shape and could still be a factor at some point this season.

“Just when I thought I was out….”