One of the biggest storylines of this NBA season has been the lingering injury to Zion Williamson. The New Orleans Pelicans managed to put together a solid season in spite of it, but their ceiling was definitely limited.
New Orleans traded for veteran guard CJ McCollum at the trade deadline and have secured themselves a spot in the Play-In Tournament. But most people can’t help but wonder whether or not Williamson would have made them a bonafide playoff team.
Well, while we may never know the answer to that, we may get the chance to see Williamson suit up sooner rather than later. According to a source very close to Williamson, he could still play this season.
NBA Rumors: Stepdad expects Zion Williamson to play this season
Lee Anderson, Williamson’s step-father stated on The Jordy Culotta Show that he expects Williamson to play this season, although he did admit that it was a tough question to answer. (H/T Bleacher Report)
“Do I expect him to play… That’s a tough question, do I expect him to play. Certainly, I expect him to play. Certainly, I do. And if you were to ask Zion, I’m sure he would probably say the same thing.”
Andrew Lopez of ESPN reported further on the NBA rumors, mentioning that Anderson also said that Williamson is “feeling great” and that the Pelicans’ medical staff believes they are just one piece away from being where they need to be.
Obviously, Anderson connected the dots, assuming that the Pelicans are putting a lot of stock into his stepson. With Williamson still being only 21 years old, there’s still plenty of time for him and the Pelicans to grow together.
If he were to return this season, there’s always a chance that New Orleans could make it out of the Play-In and into the NBA Playoffs. That’d be some very valuable experience for some of the young guys on the squad.
Whether or not Williamson will actually return is set to be seen, but the source of hope can’t get much better than his stepfather. But as they always say, only time will tell.