According to David Griffin, New Orleans Pelicans executive vice president of basketball operations, Zion Williamson is expected to make his NBA season debut on Jan. 22 against the San Antonio Spurs.
The Pelicans practiced today and Griffin told reporters the team is “still trying to get him reps in practice.”
“We hope to have a slightly more intense practice on either the 17th or 19th,” Griffin said. “If all goes well from that, assuming he’s cleared by then, our anticipation is that he will play the 22nd at home against San Antonio.”
Williamson was selected first overall in the 2019 NBA Draft by New Orleans.
The Pelicans are 15-26 through the first half of the 2019-20 season. Williamson has yet to play in the team’s first 41 games.
“This process is one that’s been really, really good,” Griffin said. “He’s getting to the point where we actually think he’s as ready as he believe he is. “
New Orleans is scheduled to play the Utah Jazz on Jan. 16, the Los Angeles Clippers on Jan 18 and the Memphis Grizzlies on Jan. 20 before they play San Antonio on Jan. 22.