NEW ORLEANS — Pelicans star Zion Williamson said his injury was "super demoralizing" while speaking with the media for the first time since leaving last week's Play-In game against the Los Angeles Lakers.
The former No. 1 pick starred in that contest as the game's highest scorer.
Unfortunately, after notching his 40th point of the game, he felt a tweak in his hamstring.
"I was able to tell instantly that it was something, just didn't know exactly what it was," Williamson said. "But I definitely was able to tell with something in that area."
It was the first time the former No.1 pick had ever suited up for a postseason game in the NBA. Now, he needs the team to extend their first-round series against the Thunder to give him a chance to return this season.
Williamson was asked if this hamstring injury felt similar to one he suffered last season. He said, "It didn't feel nothing like I did on the right side last year. The right side was definitely sharper pain. This one didn't really feel like that. It just felt like something's off right now."
He says he has already started rehab with the team.
"The more I pass tests, the quicker I'll be able to return, but I have to get back to baseline and pass certain tests," Williamson said.
Williamson watched from the bench in Game 1 as the Pelicans struggled to score in the final minutes against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
"The whole time, I just kept, like, envisioning myself out there, my impact on the game," Williamson said. "But at the same time, I had to put aside my personal feelings and be there for my teammates."
The day after the injury the New Orleans Pelicans said that Williamson would be re-evaluated in two weeks. That is the same day the Thunder and Pelicans could be tipping off Game 5 of their series.
So if he can pass the test he could potentially return if there is a Game 6.
"It is absolutely realistic. But like I said, I gotta pass tests, get back to baseline, and hopefully I'll be out there," Williamson said about his chances of returning this postseason.
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