Zion Williamson will make his NBA regular-season debut Jan. 22, the New Orleans Pelicans confirmed on Wednesday.
General manager David Griffin said Williamson is expected to see time next Wednesday against the San Antonio Spurs.
Griffin said on Monday that Williamson was “better every day” and pregame dunk sessions seem to back up the team’s working theory that a knee injury suffered in preseason no longer limits the power forward.
Head coach Alvin Gentry said there are some limitations on Williamson from the team even after he’s fully cleared.
“He’s practicing. He’s playing 5-on-5. We’re trying to gauge exactly when it would be a good situation to put him out there,” Gentry said. “Even when we do, it’ll be very limited minutes to start.”
The No. 1 overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft, Williamson last played in a game on Oct. 13, when he posted 22 points and 13 rebounds against the San Antonio Spurs.
He had his right knee scoped on Oct. 21 after MRI exams showed meniscus damage.
–Field Level Media
