By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Zion Williamson was not cleared for full participation in practice Thursday due to right foot soreness, explained New Orleans Pelicans head coach Willie Green.
“It’s part of the process,” mentioned Green said after practice, “When you’re dealing with injuries, when you ramp up some, there’s a possibility you can get a little soreness, which he’s dealing with now. Hopefully, the soreness goes away in a few days, and he can get back to work.”
Williamson, 21, has yet to practice without restrictions since the right foot surgery during the 2021 offseason. He was expected to be a full participant Thursday but the latest setback pushed back the rehab timeline.
“It’s frustrating,” added the Pelicans boss, “It’s something he’s been going through, and something he’s been working his tail off to come back from. He understands though that this is a part of it. He’s just got to keep getting past these hurdles.”
Coming out of Duke, Williamson was selected with the first overall pick of the 2019 NBA draft. A right knee injury limited him to 24 appearances over his rookie season, but in 2020-21 earned his first All-Star nod. He made out 27 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per 2020-21 game.
“It’s more important to be patient,” concluded Green describing the current situation, “We’re talking about somebody’s career. Any time you’re dealing with that aspect of professional sports, that is important. That’s how we’re looking at this.”
The Pelicans will monitor Williamson through the two-game road trip featuring matchups against the Dallas Mavericks and Houston Rockets, Friday and Sunday, respectively.
Suspended Didi Louzada is also out along with assigned to G League and injured Daulton Hommes. Josh Hart is listed as questionable after missing one game with left knee soreness.
Meanwhile, 27-year-old forward Gary Clark will be signed to a non-guaranteed contract for the remainder of the 2021-22 NBA Regular Season, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic.
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