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Pelicans: Zion Williamson out after foot surgery, hope for return by regular season

Pelicans star Zion Williamson

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - APRIL 26: Zion Williamson #1 of the New Orleans Pelicans dribbles the ball down court during the fourth quarter of an NBA game against the LA Clippers at Smoothie King Center on April 26, 2021 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images) (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)

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The Pelicans have one season to impress Zion Williamson, who might not be content in New Orleans, before he becomes eligible for a contract extension.

The year is getting off on a broken foot.

Williamson is out after fracturing his right foot before summer league then undergoing surgery, Pelicans lead executive David Griffin revealed today. Griffin called Williamson returning by the start of the regular season “our hope and our view.”

Pelicans:

Griffin handling a Williamson injury – what could go wrong?

Led by Williamson, New Orleans looks like a borderline postseason team. If he’s hampered at all during the season, that’d be a major setback.

Heck, Williamson losing an offseason of training is significant. He improved so much last year. But it’s tough to keep that momentum going when sidelined so long.