Pelicans' Zion Williamson 'Making Progress' in Recovery From Hamstring Injury

New Orleans Pelicans star Zion Williamson "continues to make progress" in his recovery from a right hamstring strain and more updates on his status will be provided after he undergoes imaging next week, the franchise announced Tuesday.

Williamson has not played since a Jan. 2 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers.

Pelicans executive vice president of basketball operations David Griffin said Feb. 12 that Williamson was expected to miss "multiple weeks past the All-Star break" with the hamstring ailment, per ESPN's Andrew Lopez.

The 22-year-old had progressed in his recovery to playing in 3-on-3 games, but he then suffered a setback. According to Griffin, the former Duke standout didn't take the setback particularly well.

"It's fair to say not terribly well because he was really diligent in his rehab and in the process," Griffin said. "Unfortunately this is an injury that has a really high incidence of recurrence. It's nothing he did wrong to bring this about. He was very diligent in the process and it just is what it is."

Williamson has appeared in just 29 games this season, though he has been effective when on the court, averaging 26.0 points, 7.0 rebounds and 4.6 assists while shooting 60.8 percent from the floor and 36.8 percent from deep.

Williamson, a two-time All-Star, has become one of the most injury-prone players in the NBA over his four-year career. During his rookie 2019-20 season, he appeared in just 24 games because of a torn meniscus.

The 2019 first overall pick then appeared in 61 games during the 2020-21 season, but was sidelined by a thumb sprain and a fractured left ring finger. He also missed all of the 2021-22 season with a foot injury.

With Williamson sidelined, the Pelicans have dropped to 10th in the Western Conference with a 30-32 record. When he finally returns to the lineup, it will be interesting to see how the franchise stacks up against other teams in the West.