Zion says Pelicans teaching him how to walk, run differently

New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson told ESPN's Jorge Sedano the team is attempting to teach him how to walk and run differently as part of his rehab from October meniscus surgery.

The process is about working "on the kinetic chain of his body," according to Sedano.

Williamson, who's yet to appear for New Orleans this season, says he feels ready to play but "trusts the organization" and its choice to exercise caution with his recovery.

Before Williamson makes his long-awaited NBA debut, the Pelicans reportedly want him to fully participate in a minimum of two-to-three practices, which the team is hoping to hold just after the new year. The sidelined rookie has done individual drills but has yet to participate in contact scrimmages.

Earlier this month, Pelicans executive president of basketball operations David Griffin revealed Williamson is now bearing full weight on his surgically repaired knee but warned he's still well away from returning.

The 19-year-old prospect looked set to live up to the hype in the preseason, when he averaged 23.3 points, 6.5 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 1.5 steals in four exhibition games. However, the start of his NBA career was derailed when the Pelicans announced he underwent surgery to repair a torn meniscus Oct. 21. The team provided a six-to-eight week timetable for his recovery, though Williamson's absence will reach the 10-week mark by the end of December.