Zion Williamson May Return For Pelicans Within Week

Zion Williamson may return to action within the week, according to New Orleans Pelicans head coach Willie Green. The Athletic’s Will Guillory was first to report.

Green confirmed Williamson participated in 5-on-5 practice on Monday.

Williamson has played in just six games so far this season, his most recent absence due to a left hamstring strain suffered on Nov. 6.

The two-time All-Star is averaging 22.7 points, 8.0 rebounds, 5.3 assists and 1.2 blocks, but is shooting a career-worst 45.2 percent from the field.

Already Too Late?

As we approach the halfway mark of the season, New Orleans sits with one of the league’s worst records at 7-29.

Over 10 games behind for the final Play-In Tournament spot, it’s hard to envision a scenario in which Williamson’s return could actually boost the Pelicans all the way back into the playoff picture.

For some perspective, New Orleans would need to win nearly 74 percent of its 46 remaining games just to finish .500.

Do that and it may as well be among the favorites to win the title.

Williamson Needs Healthy Run

More than anything, the Pelicans will be hoping Williamson can show he can remain healthy for an extended period.

New Orleans may well be ready to pivot, especially with a top lottery pick on board, but would want to keep alive hope of at least being able to trade Williamson, if that’s indeed the path chosen.

As things stand, it’s hard to envision any type of concrete value for Williamson in the trade market, which is why there has even been some speculation on the extreme end of things that the 24-year-old may be waived down the line.

Now in his sixth season in the league, Williamson has two seasons where he’s played at least 60 games but another three seasons where he’s played under 30. He missed the entire 2021-22 season after breaking the fifth metatarsal in his right foot during summer workouts.

He is currently on pace to play 14 games this season.

Contract Stipulations In Play

As a result of playing just 29 games in 2022-23, Williamson’s salary beginning 2025-26 is non-guaranteed.

Williamson has six “weigh-in checkpoints” he needs to pass this season that encompass his body fat percentage and weight adding up to no more than 295. If he does so, 20 percent of his 2025-26 salary becomes guaranteed.

He needs to play in at least 41 games this season to have an additional 40 percent guaranteed. He would need to play in 35 of the remaining 46 games for that to happen.

There are further guarantees he is already ineligible for, as those are based on playing at least 51 or 61 games this season.

New Orleans hosts the Minnesota Timberwolves on Tuesday, followed by the Portland Trail Blazers on Wednesday. A three-game East Coast road trip begins Jan. 10.