Zion's foot not healing as expected, return delayed indefinitely

The New Orleans Pelicans are reducing Zion Williamson's participation in basketball activities indefinitely following a setback in the star's recovery from a surgically repaired foot, the team announced Saturday.

"After experiencing persistent soreness in his right foot, Zion Williamson underwent medical imaging which showed a regression in the bone healing of his fifth metatarsal," the Pelicans' statement read.

"As a result, the volume and intensity of his training will be reduced for an extended period to help allow for further bone healing."

The 21-year-old was cleared to participate in team activities two weeks ago before being held out of last Thursday's practice due to soreness in the foot. Williamson suffered the injury in the offseason and underwent surgery in September.

Williamson has appeared in just 85 contests for the Pelicans amid a series of injuries after New Orleans selected him with the first overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft.