The offseason foot surgery Zion Williamson underwent was only revealed to the public on media day and it is possible that the New Orleans Pelicans were also unaware of it.
"There's a strong belief in league circles that the Pelicans were unaware of that procedure until Williamson reported to New Orleans ahead of media day," writes Jake Fischer.
Fischer, however, adds that the Pelicans and Williamson were aligned on the injury's timeline.
Williamson is expected to play under a minutes restriction when he returns. Sources say Williamson has weighed more than 300 pounds at points this offseason.
"I know Zion at 280, and he was not 280," said one observer.
"These are the injuries you have to be the most concerned about, a foot injury for a guy with noted weight issues," said one Western Conference executive.