As the NBA continues to scale up its return-to-game plan, the teams have returned to the facility. While group practice is not yet allowed, players can train and exercise as they prepare to travel to Orlando next week, and things are starting to feel a bit more normal.
Early Thursday, the New Orleans Pelicans shared some photos of the work their players have been doing, and it is clear that Zion Williamson was using his quarantine time wisely. The rookie looked quite torn as he worked with a mask, which gave him a bit of a Bane vibe.
With past concerns about his weight and fitness, coupled with the challenge of playing again in these new circumstances, it’s a great sign to see Williamson so smart. Coincidentally, he spoke to reporters on a conference call Thursday, saying: “I feel in good shape now,” while noting that he spent the past few months training with his stepfather.
His teammate Josh Hart even gave Williamson a shout, praising the rookie for arriving at the facility in such good shape.
Williamson and the Pelicans have a big challenge ahead in Orlando as they try to catch the Memphis Grizzlies for eighth and final playoff spot in the Western Conference. Currently 3.5 games behind the Grizzlies, and given the format in place, it will be next to impossible for the Pels to rank directly in just eight qualifying games, even if they have the easiest schedule.
The most likely outcome is a play-in tournament, which will take place if the ninth-seeded team is within four games of the eighth seed. Still, while a game situation is almost certain to happen, it would be beneficial for the Pelicans to beat the Grizzlies and be eighth at the end of the season.
That’s because the eighth seed will have to beat the ninth seed only once to advance to the playoffs, while the ninth seed will have to beat the eighth seed twice in a row to take the postseason position. Either way, though, the Pelicans are going to be one of the teams to watch out for in Orlando, especially if Williamson continues where he left off.
