Lonzo Ball on Zion Williamson returning to practice: ‘He puts us at full strength’

After roughly a week-long absence from the bubble and the Pelicans, Zion Williamson returned to the bubble last Friday and was cleared for practice on Tuesday. Williamson joined the team for light work in practice on Tuesday before taking part in Wednesday’s practice and will be a game-time decision for Thursday’s opener.

“I think me and my team are looking for what’s best for me and my future,” Williamson said after practice on Wednesday. “But if you know me, I want to hoop. That’s just how I am. It’s never going to change. I’m going to want to hoop, as simple as that.”

Williamson has been vital to the Pelicans revival and postseason push since late January. Since his debut, the team ranks seventh in net rating, eighth in defensive rating and 11th in offensive rating, according to NBA Stats.

“We’re happy to have him back,” Lonzo Ball said after Tuesday’s practice. “Obviously, he puts our team at full strength. We’re a lot better with him than we are without him, we know that, so having him back to start the games back up is great for us.”

The Pelicans looked strong in the three scrimmage games without Williamson, winning each by double digits. But that doesn’t take away from the importance Williamson has to this Pelicans roster and team.