UPDATE: Zion Williamson practiced with the team Tuesday but did not do anything involving contact, according to coach Alvin Gentry. The coach would not commit to any status for Zion for Thursday’s opener.
Pelicans coach Alvin Gentry said Zion Williamson went through 5-on-0 drills Tuesday but not 5-on-5. He will practice again Wednesday before medical staff determines his availability for Thursday bubble opener vs. Jazz pic.twitter.com/ePN8P9I2Wt
— Ben Golliver (@BenGolliver) July 28, 2020
Pelicans’ Alvin Gentry on Zion Williamson’s availability for bubble opener: “Our goal is to make the playoffs but we’re not going to do anything ridiculous. We’re not going to make crazy decisions.” pic.twitter.com/u2JsBrLGfc
— Ben Golliver (@BenGolliver) July 28, 2020
Under the rules of the NBA restart, the Pelicans have to announce Zion’s status for the opener by 5 p.m. Wednesday.
If nothing else, Zion’s shot looked good.
Zion Williamson is back in the NBA bubble, out of quarantine & swishing jumpers at Pelicans practice pic.twitter.com/Vjue6B2Vcp
— Ben Golliver (@BenGolliver) July 28, 2020
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The Pelicans have little margin for error in the Western Conference playoff race.
So was nice for New Orleans that Zion Williamson – who had been away from the team for a family medical emergency – was expected practice “by Wednesday.”
Its even nicer for New Orleans that Williamson will practice Tuesday.
Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN:
Pelicans F Zion Williamson has cleared quarantine and will return to practice with the team in Orlando this evening, sources tell ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 28, 2020
The Pelicans open seeding games against the Jazz on Thursday.
Every day Williamson practices counts.
He’s an explosive and large (even still) athlete who puts a lot of stress on his body. He must prepare properly before playing games, and it’s unclear how much training he did while outside the bubble then while quarantining upon his return.
If Williamson is ready, that’d be a huge boost for New Orleans. He’s a force offensively, an elite finisher who generates plenty of opportunities for himself and others. Though he’s an indifferent defender himself, the Pelicans defend better with him on the court because he allows more chances to set the defense (after baskets) and just inspires better effort from his teammates.
What a boost for New Orleans – hopefully one that will carry from practice today to the Utah game Thursday.