Latest Zion Williamson Injury Update Indicates There's a Real Chance He Doesn't Play This Season

The highly-anticipated NBA debut of Zion Williamson has been put on hold, and we're not sure that there's an end in sight.

It has been exactly six weeks since the Pelicans' No.1 overall pick underwent surgery to repair a torn lateral meniscus in his right knee.

The initial timetable for his return was set at six-to-eight weeks, but New Orleans head coach Alvin Gentry asserts that Williamson hasn't even resumed on-court drills.

"I think he’s fine," said Gentry following Monday's practice. "I don’t think it’s anything that can be rushed. I think it’s a time thing. Six weeks is what we said, but obviously, he’s making progress. When the time comes for him to start on court and do things like that, he will. It’s not anything that’s going to be rushed or any shortcut. It’s a matter of taking the time to make sure he’s fine."

Gentry continued to state that he and the Pelicans medical staff will continue to be cautious and slow-play Zion's return to the hardwood, which makes sense when you consider that the Pelicans, 6-17, are nowhere near playoff contention in the Western Conference.

You don't have to read between the lines to come to terms with the reluctance in Gentry's tone. Forget returning in the New Year, it's starting to look increasingly likely that Williamson will sit out his entire rookie campaign.

We hope we're wrong.