Pelicans' Zion Williamson Feels 'Great', Eyeing All-Star Game amid Injury Rehab

After being named an All-Star starter for the first time in his career, New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson isn't ruling out being able to play in the NBA's midseason showcase game.

Speaking to reporters on Friday, Williamson said he feels "great" as he continues to rehab his hamstring and he will play in the All-Star Game if he's physically able to do so.

Williamson hasn't played in a game since Jan. 2 when he suffered a strained right hamstring in a loss to the Philadelphia 76ers.

The Pelicans announced on Tuesday the 22-year-old is healing as expected and will be re-evaluated again in two weeks.

The use of "re-evaluated" does give New Orleans some wiggle room to work Williamson back into the lineup.

If Williamson returns exactly two weeks after the update, he would be able to play in up to four games before the All-Star break.

The Pelicans' final game in the first half is on Feb. 15 against the Los Angeles Lakers. The All-Star Game will take place four days later at Vivint Arena in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Williamson was having a dominant season prior to the injury. He leads the Pelicans in scoring with 26.0 points per game and is shooting 60.8 percent from the field.

This is the second career All-Star selection for Williamson. He was named to the team during the 2020-21 season as a reserve. The Duke alum is the first Pelicans player voted in as a starter since Anthony Davis and DeMarcus Cousins in 2018.