NBA Rumors: Zion's Stepdad Expects Star to Return for Pelicans Run

The New Orleans Pelicans have played most of the season without Zion Williamson, however, according to a source very close to the star forward that could change.

Williamson's stepfather, Lee Anderson, said in an interview on the "Jordy Culotta Show" that he expects Zion to return before the end of the season. Anderson admitted it is a tough scenario for the star to return, but indicated it would be a boost for the team.

"I expect him to play. If you were to ask Zion, I'm sure he would probably say the same thing," Anderson said. "But with just a couple of games left, with the magnitude of what's going on in New Orleans and the opportunity to qualify for the play-in game and possibly get into a seven-game series, that would be off the charts in the city of New Orleans."

The timeline for a return is tight. The Pelicans play three games after tonight's matchup against the Sacramento Kings. Williamson has been rehabbing a fractured foot that has kept him out most of the season.

The Pelicans currently sit 9th in the Western Conference and are looking ahead to competing in the league's Play-InTournament. The team will need to win two games in order to clinch an 8th seed matchup with the Phoenix Suns.

Head coach Willie Green indicated Williamson was cleared for on-court work. Multiple posts have surfaced highlighting the forward's progress.

Zion has been playing 1-on-1 with Brew for the last 10 mins or so, going through moves and finishes at the rim. https://t.co/yndrLR98QE
— Andrew Lopez (@_Andrew_Lopez) March 23, 2022

The former No. 1 overall pick has played a total of 85 games through three NBA seasons and has faced criticism for his lack of availability. Regardless, if Zion is able to return for a playoff run it would completely change the playoff picture in the Western Conference.