Zion Williamson Joins Pelicans on the Bench

Zion Williamson is still a few weeks away from possibly making his season debut, but he did finally join the New Orleans bench.

Zion Williamson is still a few weeks away from possibly making his season debut, but he did finally join the New Orleans bench.

Williamson is slowly working his way back into the team and the good graces of the city. In the latest development, he's back to at least sitting on the bench and getting engaged in the Willie Green-led huddles.

Williamson was seen lingering around the hallways and locker room before tip-off. In a move to not take attention away from the guys actually playing tonight, Williamson joined the Pelicans’ bench just a few minutes after tip. 

Mar 11, 2022; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (1) smiles on the bench against the Charlotte Hornets during the first quarter at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Wevers-USA TODAY Sports

Anyone interested in fashion, as much as fitness, Zion was wearing Nike Air Yeezy Red October’s that can go for more than $15,000.

The team and Williamson are more worried about fitness than fashion but if he is to play this season, it’s all about fitting him into the team’s current chemistry. With CJ McCollum and Brandon Ingram sidelined for at least a week, the team has enough obstacles to overcome to make the NBA Playoffs. 

Sure, they control their destiny for the Play-In tournament but New Orleans will still need two big win to secure a playoff appearance.

Mar 11, 2022; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (1) smiles at his teammates against the Charlotte Hornets during the first quarter at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Wevers-USA TODAY Sports

Williamson could play a big part in the last few weeks of the season. Devonte' Graham said of having Williamson around, “It’s good. It’s good for him. I know he missed being here. Just being around your family, your brothers. It was a warm welcome when he came back. Just want to see him healthy. That’s all.”

This is just one more step to getting Zion Williamson back healthy. First, he went to church in Uptown New Orleans. Then he walked his dogs. This morning he was getting up shots with assistant coach Teresa Weatherspoon. Now he is just a few feet from the Smoothie King Center court. It could be just a few more weeks before Williamson is dunking the Pelicans to a win over Lebron James and the Los Angeles Lakers.