New Orleans Pelicans star Zion Williamson remains on the sidelines as he continues his rehab on his fractured foot.
The Pelicans today announced in a statement that the former No.1 overall pick would continue his rehab away from the team as he strives to return to the court this season.
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“As you can imagine, this has been a very difficult process for me,” Williamson said in a statement. “I know there’s work to be done in my recovery before I can safely return to the court, but I will continue to put in the time necessary so I can get back on the floor with my team and represent Pelicans fans and the city of New Orleans at the highest level.
“Basketball means everything to me, and I am thankful for the Pelicans organization and everyone who has surrounded me with love and support throughout this journey — my family, friends, teammates, coaches, staff, fans, and everybody who has stood behind me and uplifted me when I needed it most.”
Williamson has not played this season after suffering a fracture in his right foot in the off-season which required surgery. While it was initially thought he would return at the start of the season, he has experienced multiple setbacks.
MORE Zion Williamson injury timeline, updates
On Dec. 16, the team announced that "following a consultation and further evaluation with Dr. Richard Ferkel of the Southern California Orthopedic Institute yesterday, Zion Williamson received a biologic injection into the fracture site to stimulate bone healing in his right foot."
Following the procedure, the Pelicans announced that Williamson would be re-evaluated in four-to-six weeks.
Pelicans Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations David Griffin added that being away from the team would help Williamson focus solely on his injury recovery.
“Since we notified everyone on December 16 of his latest imaging, it was decided then by our medical team to dial his rehab back to only partial weight bearing activities. He continues along that path,” Griffin said in the statement.
“We also agreed that in order to put Zion in the best position to succeed, he will rehab away from the team at this time so he can focus on the task at hand.”
The Pelicans are currently at 13-25 on the season, holding the second-worst record in the Western Conference.
