Williamson physically 'fine' but will only return 'when I feel like Zion'

The Pelicans have qualified for the play-in tournament despite being without superstar Williamson since January 2.

A hamstring injury has kept the former first overall pick on the sideline, with setbacks frustrating both the player and his team.

His return date is still unknown on the eve of Wednesday's nine-10 game against the Oklahoma City Thunder, with the Pelicans still two wins from the playoffs.

But Williamson was at least back at practice and appearing before reporters on Tuesday to say: "Physically, I'm fine.

"Now, it's just a matter of when I feel like Zion. I know the atmosphere I'd be entering based off the playoff experience. So, now, it's just a matter of when I feel like Zion."

Zion speaking with the media after today’s practice #Pelicans pic.twitter.com/GNDN94CDAL

— New Orleans Pelicans (@PelicansNBA) April 11, 2023

Williamson, who described the past three months as "very frustrating", said "things have got a lot better".

Yet he still could not outline exactly what was required to "feel like Zion" and get back on the court for a team who at one stage before his injury threatened to contend.

"I don't feel like there are any specific benchmarks for being Zion," Williamson said.

"It's just a matter of when I feel like myself – just feeling like myself and knowing that I can go out there and have a big impact for my team."

"It's a little bit of a mental battle, because you know when I re-aggravated back in February, it was tough.

"So, when I go to make certain moves, there is that hesitation. Sometimes there's not and sometimes there is.