METAIRIE, La. — New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson said Tuesday that he is feeling fine physically and will return to the court «when I feel like Zion,» acknowledging the mental hurdle of rejoining the team as it embarks on a postseason run.
Williamson, who has been out since Jan. 2 while recovering from a right hamstring strain, spoke to reporters Tuesday ahead of the Pelicans' play-in matchup with the Oklahoma City Thunder on Wednesday. «It's been frustrating,» Williamson said. «Not gonna lie to you.
It's been very frustrating. Not being able to play sucks, But I mean, things have gotten better. Things have gotten a lot better.» Asked how close he is to feeling ready to play, Williamson replied, «Physically I'm fine, now it's just a matter of when I feel like Zion.
I know the atmosphere I'd be entering based off like the playoff experience. So now it's just a matter of when I feel like Zion.» What exactly does that look like? «I don't feel like there are any specific benchmarks for being Zion,» Williamson said. «It's just a matter of like, you know, when I feel like myself.