NEW ORLEANS — Zion Williamson has been cleared to return to some practice activities but his return to the court anytime this season is very much in doubt.
The team sent out a news release saying that after a re-evaluation of his right hamstring, Zion would begin on-court activities and be re-evaluated again in two weeks.
The Pelicans, who have plummeted in the standings from the top three spots when Zion left in early January to just outside of a play-in spot, will only have three games remaining by the April 5 re-evaluation.
At that time, the Pelicans could well be eliminated from postseason contention, and, it is highly unlikely they would play Zion in essentially meaningless games.
"We'll see," said head coach Willie Green when asked if Zion was expected back on the court this season. "I can't confirm if he'll be back or not. We'll see."
Williamson pulled up on a routine move up the court in a January 2 game. He was expected back in a few weeks, but re-injured the hamstring prior to the All-Star game that he was selected to start. That set him back further and fans have watched as his progress has come glacially.
"It's been another one of those years, he starts off well and makes an All-Star game and it's been difficult navigating injuries," said Green. "It's part of the game, but it's been tough."
Prior to the injury, he had a strong start to the 2022-2023 season, averaging 26 points, 7 rebounds and 4.6 assists per games. But due to his injury he has only played 29 games this season.
The Pelicans also announced Wednesday that medical imaging on Jose Alvarado, who has missed the last 10 games due to a stress reaction in his right tibia, showed "incremental improvement." The team said that Alvarado will continue his rehabilitation and will be re-examined in the next two or three weeks.
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