Duke basketball product Zion Williamson may face another setback

The frustrating wait continues for Duke basketball alum Zion Williamson.

Former Duke basketball one-and-done Zion Williamson has yet to play for the New Orleans Pelicans this season. And it now seems somewhat unlikely that the 6-foot-6, 285-pound power forward will do so before the end of the campaign.

Williamson, who came off the board No. 1 overall at the 2019 NBA Draft, underwent surgery on his right foot’s broken fifth metatarsal bone after suffering the injury during offseason training. Ever since then, the 21-year-old’s status has been, well, complicated.

While working toward his anticipated return in December, Williamson experienced pain in his foot. In turn, the Pelicans brass decided to reduce his workout load, making his recovery timetable an utter uncertainty.

Another surgery in store for the Duke basketball product?

Now, per a report on Tuesday from Christian Clark of the New Orleans Times-Picayune, Zion Williamson is potentially facing another surgery:

“Williamson was supposed to return to practice in December, but he began experiencing soreness in his right foot. That month, he flew to Los Angeles to have an injection to promote healing. It is possible he will need a second surgery on his right foot, sources said, but nothing has been decided.”

Either way, with the New Orleans Pelicans sporting a 23-35 record and sitting No. 11 in the Western Conference, one might assume the franchise will again play it safe with Williamson and keep him out of action until next season.

Last season, as a mere NBA sophomore, Zion Williamson temporarily silenced many of his doubters by appearing in 61 games for the Pelicans while averaging 27.0 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 3.1 assists. He shot 61.1 percent from the field, earning his first All-Star nod in the process.

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