Zion Williamson was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft — two picks before the Knicks took his former Duke teammate, RJ Barrett — but the 6-foot-7 power forward has missed significant time in each of his first three seasons for New Orleans with knee and foot ailments.
The Pelicans, who play host to the Knicks on Saturday night, opened this season with five losses in their first six games. There has been little clarity on a return date from summer foot surgery for Williamson, who averaged 27.0 points and 7.2 rebounds per game over 61 appearances last season.
Pelicans VP of basketball operations David Griffin told ESPN earlier this week that the 21-year-old Williamson still hasn’t been cleared to resume practicing with the team, but Williamson worked out in uniform on the court before Saturday’s game against the Knicks.
“I think Zion will be a huge help,” head coach Willie Green said. “Look, we’re down somebody that is huge in terms of offensively and defensively for our team. So adding him, hopefully soon, will just make us an even better team. But right now I love what our guys are doing.
“Look, we’re coming up a little short, but we’re playing hard and we’re playing together.”
Williamson, whose weight reportedly ballooned to more than 300 pounds after his surgery, mostly has been working out on his own and running only in straight lines in recent weeks. In the meantime, the 2021 All-Star has been relegated to a cheerleader role on the Pelicans’ bench.
“Z’s been great, he’s in the huddles, he’s talking to his teammates, in practice the same thing, he’s chiming in,” Green said. “We’re starting to talk a lot about the offense and where we see him.
“But he’s a great teammate, he’s been there for his guys and he’s itching to get back on the court soon.”
The Pelicans faced the Knicks without 2020 All-Star wing Brandon Ingram, who was listed as doubtful Saturday afternoon.
Ingram, averaging a team-best 25.0 points per game with Williamson sidelined, suffered a right hip contusion during Friday’s home loss to the Kings. He “woke up sore” on Saturday, according to Green.