Zion Williamson – New Orleans Pelicans

In his first full season last year since being drafted first overall in 2019, Zion Williamson had a fantastic year, averaging 27.0 points, 7.2 rebounds and he shot 61.1% from the floor. Williamson did miss some time to end last season with a fractured finger and during Media Day on Monday, it was revealed that the young big man had suffered a fractured foot in the offseason. 

The details of the injury and how it happened was not released, but Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations David Griffin told reporters that Zion had offseason right foot surgery to repair a fracture and that he was hopeful for him to be ready to go for the start of the 2021-22 season. 

Zion Williamson is expected to miss the first week of training camp this week, but according to The Athletic’s Will Guillory, Williamson was not in a walking boot during Media Day, which is good news in terms of his progression from surgery.

The Pelicans have big playoff aspirations this season and they are finally looking to put things together with key offseason additions in Jonas Valanciunas and Devonte’ Graham, but they are going to need Zion Williamson fully healthy in order to live up to their expectations. 

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Set to begin his third season in the NBA, Williamson has dealt with a handful of injuries now, but this foot injury does not seem to be something management is worried about long-term. As of right now, Zion Williamson is on track to be ready for the Pelicans season-opener on October 20 against the Philadelphia 76ers.