Zion Williamson returns to practice

METAIRIE, Louisiana (AP):

Zion Williamson returned to practice with the New Orleans Pelicans on Thursday for the first time since he had arthroscopic knee surgery shortly before the season.

But the NBA's top overall draft choice out of Duke cannot yet say when he'll make his regular-season debut.

"I felt really good out there," he said.

Williamson, 6-foot-6 and 285 pounds, said he first must pass "assessments" by team medical staff before the decision can rest solely with him.

"It will probably be one of those moments, where, just like when it came to my college decision, I woke up and I'll just know," Williamson said.

PRACTICE SESSIONS

Coach Alvin Gentry said Williamson participated fully in the on-court work, but the practice wasn't particularly strenuous. It was the last practice before New Orleans flew to Los Angeles to play the Lakers on Friday night.

Gentry said Williamson is not expected to play on the two-game trip that includes a stop in Sacramento on Saturday. New Orleans play at home on Monday night against Utah.

Gentry said the club needs to "see what kind of progress he makes, see what happens after he goes through practices."

"I know that he's making progress. That's the thing that matters most," Gentry said. "He's moving good, but obviously, there's going to always be some reservations until you get full confidence in what you're doing. ... He practised and that's a good start."