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Report: Zion to 'definitely' return outside original 6-8 week timetable

Chris Graythen / Getty Images Sport / Getty

New Orleans Pelicans rookie Zion Williamson has "turned a corner" in his rehab, but the team is exercising caution and his return from injury will "definitely" come outside of the initial six-to-eight week timetable, according to TNT's Kristen Ledlow.

It's been just over six weeks since Williamson underwent arthroscopic surgery to repair a torn right lateral meniscus suffered during the Pelicans' second-last preseason game against the San Antonio Spurs.

The Duke product has started to do some on-court work, including light walk-throughs with the team and spot shooting, a source told ESPN's Andrew Lopez.

Wiliamson, who has yet to be cleared for contact drills, progressed to partial weight-bearing exercises last week, according to Marc J. Spears of The Undefeated.

The No. 1 pick has endured knee problems dating back to his lone collegiate season at Duke. Williamson missed six games for the Blue Devils after suffering a Grade 1 right knee sprain, and he was limited to nine minutes of summer league play due to a bruised left knee.

Williamson earned the John R. Wooden Award as the nation's top male collegiate player last season. He lived up to his billing during the NBA preseason, averaging 23.3 points on 71.4% shooting while adding 6.5 boards and 2.3 assists per contest.

New Orleans is on a six-game losing streak and sits second-last in the Western Conference with a 6-15 record.

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