Zion Williamson returns to NBA Orlando campus, appears on track for Pelicans opener against Jazz

Upon leaving Orlando on July 16th to tend to a family medical emergency, Zion Williamson said in a released statement that he would return at some point.

Well, today was that glorious day.

According to the New Orleans Pelicans, Williamson returned to the Orlando campus this evening, and just as importantly, he tested negative for the coronavirus each day while outside of the bubble. Thus, the prevailing assumption is that his quarantine period at Walt Disney should not surpass four days, per existing protocol.

If a player is approved to leave, he will quarantine upon return to campus for four days if either of the following occurs:

He is gone fewer than seven days, and during each day off campus, he is tested for COVID-19, and the result(s) are negative.

He leaves for an extended absence and undergoes a daily COVID-19 test that comes back negative for at least the seven days before he arrives back on campus.

At this time, the league has not announced the length of Williamson’s quarantine period. While it should be only four days — provided he tests negative each day, a consulting infectious disease physician designated by the NBA will have the final say on the matter.

If he’s able to overcome these hurdles, Zion would be available to play next Thursday in the Pelicans opener against the Utah Jazz.

While the exact details surrounding his departure are unclear, Williamson did release the following statement:

“My family and I appreciate the love and respect that everyone showed us while we dealt with a private family matter,” Williamson said in a team statement. “I’m excited to rejoin my team in Orlando and look forward to getting back on the court with my teammates after quarantine.”

Zanos is back, guys. Knock on wood, New Orleans has a great chance of being at full strength at the start of the regular season seeding schedule next week!

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