Finally—A Positive Update On Zion Williamson's Rehab!

Now here's something you weren't expecting: we actually have a positive update on Zion Williamson. The New Orleans Pelicans have released a statement saying the superstar's foot is showing "improved bone healing".  

Update on Zion: Recent imaging showed improved bone healing of the fifth metatarsal in Zion Williamson’s right foot.

He will gradually progress to full weight-bearing exercise and basketball activities.

He remains out indefinitely. pic.twitter.com/ltbSbtmMgt

— New Orleans Pelicans (@PelicansNBA) March 2, 2022

The team notes that Zion will "gradually" progress to full weight-bearing exercises, and, finally, basketball activity. But until then, he remains out indefinitely, and surely won't be back this season. 

The 21-year-old dropped the news on the first day of training camp back in October that he'd broken a bone in his foot last summer, but that he expected to be back by opening night. About 4 1/2 months have passed since then, and he's yet to step on the court with his teammates. We've heard nothing but a flow of bad news about Williamson's recovery process and his off-court behavior. 

In December, the healing was going so poorly, he had a biologic injection; Last month, we got wind of a possible 2nd surgery in the offing; then just last week he was called out by a former teammate for his "insane" detached-from-the-team behavior; and he was removed from the Pelicans' 2022-23 marketing materials. 

Today's news is the first positive step in the Zion saga all season. The 3rd-year forward has shown flashes of superstardom when he's played, but he's only seen action in 85 of a possible 205 games (41%) in his NBA career. Here's hoping today's news is a step (pardon the pun) in the right direction. 

Photo Credit:  Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports