The Pelicans were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs to the Suns and played that series, as well as the entire regular season, without star forward Zion Williamson.
Williamson broke the fifth metatarsal in his right foot during summer workouts in advance of the NBA season, but has now been cleared to play according to a team release, paving the way for his return to the lineup next season.
The 2021-22 season was Williamson’s third as a pro, but he has only played in 85 NBA games since being selected with the top pick in the 2019 NBA draft.