Zion Williamson is nearing a return for the New Orleans Pelicans, after undergoing surgery in the offseason on a torn right lateral meniscus.
There was plenty of hype surrounding the Pelicans heading into the new season after winning the draft lottery, which saw them use their No 1 pick to select teen sensation Williamson.
The 19-year-old has wowed crowds throughout his junior career, with anticipation building over what he could potentially achieve in the NBA.
But his debut was cut short after picking up a knee injury during preseason.
New Orleans released a statement last month on October 21 stating Williamson had undergone “successful arthroscopic surgery”.
And a timetable of six-to-eight weeks was the expected recovery time needed for Williamson to be ready to return.
Judging from the time the Pelicans released the statement, that could mean Williamson makes his debut as early as December 3 when they host the Dallas Mavericks.
But the two-week window New Orleans suggested could also mean Williamson still faces another month on the sidelines.
Williamson himself has remained upbeat about the recovery process though.
“I was hurt (emotionally) at first, because I wasn’t able to go to the first game,” he said.
“I haven’t been to any away games, because the team supports me and wants me to stay here (in New Orleans) and keep rehabbing, to come back as quickly as possible and be ready.”
And he isn’t in any immediate rush to get back out on the floor if it means risking further injury.
“It’s not even a conversation I need to have with them about it,” he added.
“It’s a long season – this isn’t like college or something, where it’s 30 games. It’s 82 games. So I don’t really see a need to rush back.
“(It’s about) getting back to myself (physically).
“When (the New Orleans training staff feels) like I’m back to myself, they will let me play.”