New Orleans Pelicans star center Zion Williamson has started the conditioning phase of his rehab from a left hamstring strain and is expected to return to practice next week, the team announced Tuesday.
Williamson, who is considered week-to-week, has been sidelined since Nov. 6.
The two-time All-Star has played in just six games this season, averaging 22.7 points, 8.0 rebounds and 5.3 assists.
New Orleans selected Williamson with the top overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft. His time with the Pelicans has been marked by multiple injuries, starting with a torn meniscus during the preseason of his rookie year.
Williamson has played in just 190 career games over five seasons, while also missing the entire 2021-22 campaign. He has averaged 24.6 points, 6.6 rebounds and 4.2 assists.