It’s been awhile since the New Orleans Pelicans have had any good news to share about Zion Williamson.
It seemed like every update just made things worse this season, as Zion missed the entire year and suffered several setbacks along the way.
Yesterday, the New Orleans Pelicans announced that after a year of absence, Zion Williamson is finally ready to play without restrictions:
Update on Zion:
— New Orleans Pelicans (@PelicansNBA) May 26, 2022
Recent imaging of Williamson’s right fifth metatarsal showed continued improvement.
Williamson has been cleared in his return to play progression without any restrictions. pic.twitter.com/xZAtf9lyVn
Fans were hoping to get this news weeks ago when the New Orleans Pelicans were still in the playoffs, and if they had gotten him back, I don’t see any reason why the Pelicans might not still be playing, as some of the teams in the Western Conference (pretty much all of them) have been less than impressive in the playoffs.
The timing wasn’t perfect, but it was still a good time to hear the news that Zion Williamson is ready to go.
New Orleans Pelicans: Zion Williamson’s extension
July 1st is the first day the New Orleans Pelicans can offer Zion Williamson what is expected to be a max rookie extension.
His injuries have complicated his extension somewhat, as the Pels will probably try to build in some insurance in the form of incentive based bonuses and team options to protect themselves.
But this news has to alleviate some of those fears, as Zion’s foot health is obviously going to be one of the biggest questions of the offseason.
Having restrictions removed now not only means the New Orleans Pelicans can more accurately analyze Zion’s health and how the injury has affected him, but will also give Williamson the full offseason to work out, stay in shape and ensure that this doesn’t happen again.
I think it also shows that the team is little more involved than they were last summer when Zion Williamson was shrouded in mystery and no one was really sure what was going on. I hope this is sign that Zion is more dialed in and connected with his teammates, who showed that they can win without him, as well as the potential to go even further with him.