Pelicans' Griffin: Zion 'fully weight-bearing' but still well away from return

New Orleans Pelicans rookie Zion Williamson is making significant strides in his recovery from October meniscus surgery, but he isn't expected to return anytime soon.

"We're really excited with where he's at," Pelicans executive vice president of basketball operations David Griffin said Tuesday, according to ESPN's Andrew Lopez. "He's made really good progress. I know we've reached the eight-week point and everyone is ready to see him.

"I think we're a little ways away yet, but today was a really big first step."

Griffin added Williamson's knee appears to be fully healthy again as he ramps up his rehab, but the executive cautioned against rushing the Duke product back into action.

"It's an important time for him because he's fully weight-bearing," Griffin said. "If we're going to see a setback, it would be now.

"The teammates, the way they responded to him, the joy he has when he's on the floor is evident. And we've obviously needed that."

Williamson, once the overwhelming favorite for the Rookie of the Year award, underwent surgery just prior to the regular season to repair a torn meniscus and was originally expected to miss six-to-eight weeks.

Griffin's comments came hours after Williamson attracted attention during Tuesday's practice, casually drilling jumpers without difficulty or any apparent discomfort.

The Pelicans will exercise the utmost caution with the 2019 No. 1 pick after he makes his official NBA debut. Griffin admitted earlier in December the team will "very likely" hold Williamson out of back-to-backs once he returns this season.

News of the 19-year-old's injury surfaced unexpectedly following an electric preseason in which he averaged 23.3 points, 6.5 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 1.5 steals in four exhibition contests.