New Orleans Pelicans superstar forward Zion Williamson apparently underwent surgery on his broken right foot during the offseason and but is expected to be available for the start of the regular season, according to executive vice president of basketball operations David Griffin.
Griffin detailed that Williamson injured the foot early in the offseason prior to summer league and underwent surgery shortly thereafter to repair a fractured fifth metatarsal in his right foot, according to ESPN’s Andrew Lopez.
“He had a fractured right foot that was repaired surgically,” Griffin said. “His timeline should get him back on the court in time for the regular season. That would be our hope and our view. And we’re very optimistic about what that looks like.”
Griffin went on to say that he, Pelicans general manager Trajan Langdon and team vice president of player care and performance Aaron Nelson met with Williamson and his parents to establish a timeline for return to play this upcoming season.
“He was working out on his own on the court, and frankly was doing an unbelievable job; it’s crazy sometimes what happens when you look your best,” Griffin said. “But he was doing that prior to summer league and suffered the injury on the court while playing.”
“We feel very confident about where things are and very confident about the improvement there,” Griffin said.
Pelicans head coach Willie Green said that Williamson is “doing a lot of pool workouts and treadmill work in the pool” as part of his rehab from the fractured foot, and said exactly what more he will be able to do during training camp is a progression.
“He will get on the floor at some point,” Green added. “But it’s progression. I don’t want to throw something out there and you guys hold me to it. The timeline is that we’re hopeful he can start the season. Until then, it’s just a progression with him and the medical team.”
There is no doubt going to be a lot of attention on Williamson from the medical staff, who will explore everything from pilonidal cysts to the common cold to ensure Williamson remains healthy for the long haul.
