The New Orleans Pelicans announced that forward Zion Williamson will continue his rehab away from the team as he tries to return from a fractured foot injury he suffered over the summer.
According to NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski, Williamson will be doing his rehabilitation in Portland, Ore. The Pelicans and Williamson agreed mutually on the All-Star working away from the team per ESPN. The worldwide leader in sports also arranged transportation for Williamson out of New Orleans.
The former no. 1 overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft made his first public comments about the injury in the statement the Pelicans released.
“As you can imagine, this has been a very difficult process for me,” Williamson said. “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.”
The Pelicans announced on December 16 that Williamson received an injection in his injured foot to help facilitate bone healing. The Pelicans also revealed that Williamson traveled to Los Angeles to meet with Dr. Richard Ferkel, who helped perform the surgery on Williamson’s fractured foot and also gave him the injection.
Williamson has not played yet this season due to his foot injury. His return was delayed as he deals with soreness in his surgically repaired right foot that has delayed his return to the court.
