Zion Williamson Nears Return From ‘Frustrating’ Knee Injury

Without him in the lineup, the Pelicans have had an up-and-down season. They started 1-7, and later lost 13 straight games over one brutal stretch of their schedule. But since then, New Orleans has won 11 of its last 16 games, including a 126-116 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies on Monday. At 17-27, the Pelicans still have an outside shot at a playoff berth.

The team has an extremely young and talented core, one that has been highlighted by the emergence of Brandon Ingram, a multidimensional forward whom the team acquired in an off-season trade with the Los Angeles Lakers. Ingram, 22, is averaging 25.6 points, 6.7 rebounds and 4.4 assists a game.

“In my opinion, he’s a definite All-Star,” Williamson said. “Got to say that. He’s come so far in just a few months since we started, and I’m just looking to feed off that.”

At the same time, Williamson said he was aware that anticipation had been building for his debut.

“I know that people in New Orleans are going to show a lot of love, because that’s what they do,” he said. “But for the outside people, all I can do is just invite the love. If you want to bring it, then bring it.”

Article source: https://www.nytimes.com/2020/01/21/sports/basketball/zion-williamson-return-knee-injury.html?emc=rss&partner=rss