Zion Williamson is a bit over a month removed from the knee surgery that has delayed his much-anticipated NBA debut, and the New Orleans Pelicans are now providing some hints as to when his return date might approximately be.
Appearing Friday on ESPN New Orleans 100.3, Pelicans GM David Griffin discussed the No. 1 overall pick’s progress from a torn right lateral meniscus.
“He’s progressing exactly as we had hoped he would,” said Griffin. “We’re really optimistic, and most importantly, Zion is really excited and that’s where we want him to be.”
Griffin also said the team would “err on the side of caution” with Williamson but that he was on schedule with his original six-to-eight week timetable.
“Right now, I think we’re on target for eight weeks,” Griffin added. “Probably not to the day, but in and around that.”
The 19-year-old Williamson underwent surgery on Oct. 20, and eight weeks would put his return date right around mid-December. The Pelicans have started the year just 6-9 in his absence (tenth in the West), but Williamson may have more pressing matters to attend to for now.
