The NBA world has been patiently awaiting the debut of the most-hyped rookie since LeBron James came out of St. Vincent-St. Mary High School in 2003.
Zion Williamson wowed everyone during his lone season at Duke and was drafted with the No. 1 overall pick by the New Orleans Pelicans as a result. Williamson underwent surgery on a torn lateral meniscus in his right knee on Oct. 21. The Pelicans reportedly have been re-teaching the 19-year-old how to run and walk differently in order to keep his knees healthy.
Both Williamson and the Pelicans reportedly are hopeful for a January debut for the star rookie, and he went through his first full practice with the team Thursday.
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Williamson stayed after practice to work on his free throws, and clearly is itching to get onto an NBA court. However, Pelicans coach Alvin Gentry said Zion will not play Friday night against the Los Angeles Lakers or Saturday night against the Kings in Sacramento.
The Kings, who have lost eight games in a row, need to start 2020 off on the right foot and facing an amped-up Pelicans team with Williamson would not bode well for their goal of turning things around and getting back into the Western Conference playoff picture.
At the moment, the Kings are 12-22 and in 13th place in the West, just one game ahead of the Pelicans. But as bad as Luke Walton's team has been playing, they still only are three games back of the San Antonio Spurs for the No. 8 seed, as the Western Conference is not as strong as it has been in recent years.
NBA
The Kings will face the Memphis Grizzlies on Thursday before facing the Pelicans on Saturday at Golden 1 Center.
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The Kings will just miss the arrival of Zion. Some much-needed good news.