Around the NBA: Zion back, Trade Deadline, and more

Zion Returning

The anticipated debut for the number one pick in the draft, Zion Williamson, finally has a set date.

The New Orleans Pelicans rookie will begin his NBA career officially on Jan. 22 when they host the San Antonio Spurs after having surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his right knee. This marks his first return to action since a preseason game on Oct. 13 against the same team. He was shut down the remainder of the preseason and received surgery on Oct. 21.

Williamson returned to full-court, five-on-five practice with the Pelicans on Jan. 7. Pelicans Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations David Griffin told reporters Wednesday afternoon that the rookie will not be on a minutes restriction after coach Alvin Gentry said he would be this past week. “It’s not about a number, it’s about what the burst needs to looks like,” Griffin described. He talked about taking a subjective approach to monitoring his star.

The first overall pick original timetable was pushed back after reports of Williamson was going through training to re-learn how to walk and run. Also much was made about his weight and his dietary needs to be able to complete an 82-game season. However, it looks as he’s finally healthy to return to action. Last we saw him he was averaging 23.3 ppg in four preseason games while shooting 71.4% from the field. His return would be a boost that can propel the Pelicans to the playoffs as they are only four games out the eight spot.

Trade Deadline

With the NBA Trade Deadline on the horizon, teams are gearing up to add pieces or assets for a championship-run or their franchise’s future respectively.

Kevin Love has been on the trade block for what seemed like weeks now after reports of him wanting out of Cleveland got out. Chris Paul has the Oklahoma City Thunder over .500 and has been linked to being heavily sought out by teams, but his enormous contract remains a problem. Then you have the Lakers making teams aware that everyone except LeBron and Anthony Davis is able and that puts F Kyle Kuzma at the forefront as a potential piece to getting the team their final piece. We have seen GM LeBron willing to change the whole team if he needs to make a run at a championship.

In other news, Pistons big men Andre Drummond has been linked lately to the New York Knicks as a potential destination, but teams like the Mavericks and Clippers could use him way more, though the latter might be impossible due to cap room. Blake Griffin has contemplated surgery for his ailing injury and the Pistons just don’t have the team to compete even in the weak east with the talent they have. Getting some picks for a rebuild might just be what this team needs as they just can’t seem to go anywhere as constructed.

Andre Igdoula is a name that has been floated out there as a top candidate teams are looking to trade for as well. His championship experience and his abilities to shoot and defend wing players can come in handy to a team looking to contend this year. The trade deadline is Feb. 6.

Moving On Up

With the latest NBA power rankings, we saw off-season favorites the Utah Jazz move up to the third spot after winning its 10th game in a row. They average a league-best 122 offensive rating over those 10 games and Donovan Mitchell has looked excellent in this stretch. And this is all without Mike Conley, their big offseason acquisition who is dealing with a hamstring injury. Actually, they are undefeated after adding former Cavs Jordan Clarkson to the team.

The Bucks and Lakers remain atop the power rankings still as both have been dominating their respective conferences. The Heat had fallen after going 6-4 in their last 10 but still remains high on the list with the Nuggets and Celtics in the mix. A team that is starting to catch the eys of many however is the Memphis Grizzlies who have won six straight and is currently the eight seed. This is behind rookie Ja Morant who has been spectacular and a walking highlight reel with his athleticism and playmaking. He is on course to undoubtedly win the Rookie of the Year award this season.

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