“When he plays at his best, we’re a better team,” said Pelicans head coach Willie Green about Zion Williamson, as some good news finally seems to have come the franchise’s way. The Pelicans squad spent over 2 months without their star player, after he sustained a left hamstring strain during a Cavaliers matchup. As he kept occupying the court-side seats and getting roasted by commentators, fans anticipated his return before things worsened for his franchise. After days of anticipation, the wait is finally over!

Zion Williamson was cleared to return, for the first time since November 6, just as his team was preparing to take on the Minnesota Timberwolves. His return to the lineup came as his squad looked to secure their third straight victory. After all, the Pelicans had swept back-to-back games against the Washington Wizards. As the game progressed, the 24-year-old kept making moves to ensure that his team established a lead. Simultaneously, he looked to prove to everyone else that the 2-month hiatus had not slowed him down.

He began impressing attendees right from the 1st quarter. Williamson grabbed a half-court lob pass from CJ McCollum and made a slam dunk! The commentators were quick to exclaim, “Welcome Back”. Later, he stole the ball from Anthony Edwards’ hands, dashed to the opposite side of the court, and made a 360-degree Windmill move to perform another dunk! From the commentators to the other attendees at the Smoothie King Center, people couldn’t contain their excitement. ‘Pajamas’ has returned to become ‘Zanos’!

Given Zion Williamson’s exciting display on the NBA court, it would have been obvious that similar reactions would soon fill up social media. Sure enough, people didn’t waste any time going online and reacting.

Social media users give out mixed reactions to Zion Williamson’s NBA return: “Don’t ever say anything about…”

One individual praised the dunk move by stating, “This is what the people love to see even more than threes”. This may be a reference to the debate on whether consistent usage of 3-pointers is spoiling the NBA. The debate has existed for the better part of this last decade. After all, no matter how much one likes to watch Steph Curry in action, enthusiasts might want to see more moves. Zion may have created a memorable moment for attendees and viewers through his dunk during his very first game of the new year.

One social media user used the 360-degree dunk to take a shot at any of Zion Williamson’s critics. He wrote, “Don’t ever say anything about Zion’s weight issues again”.

Along with Luka Doncic, Zion Williamson is another player who can’t shake off roasts about his physical appearance. It was only last year when Charles Barkley, in the aftermath of the Pelicans’ 127-117 win against the Kings, took a dig at him by stating, “Somebody is got to get a hold of him…I don’t know if he has a Moses Malone who told me I was ‘fat and lazy’…He needs to get in shape”.

YouTube channels like Riot Comedy have even taken it upon themselves to roast the Pels star by comparing him to Jabba the Hut. By August 2024, Zion Williamson’s stepfather had highlighted that the hoopster had gotten to at least 281 pounds. He may not be as in shape as his peers. However, if the dunk showed anything, he isn’t letting his weight be a factor in stopping him from performing well.

While many praised Zion Williamson, others couldn’t help but feel a slight tinge of concern. One individual highlighted that concern by writing, “I am at the point of watching Zion that every time he dunks, I pray to God that he won’t get injured”.

The commenter is right to be concerned. After all, the Pelicans-Timberwolves matchup was only the 7th game Williamson has played this season! The player is infamously known for being absent for long periods. He participated in only 24 and 29 games during the 2020 and 2023 seasons, respectively. During the ongoing season, the Pelicans had a 2-4 record when Williamson played.

5-25 without him. This includes 4-23 in the past 27 games. Therefore, the last thing the franchise would want is for their star player to get sidelined, again. An issue is likely to surface if Zion Williamson performs dangerous maneuvers upon his return.

One social media user took a dig at Zion Williamson’s absences. He commented on the dunk by writing, “Now he has to miss the next 15 games.” Williamson has already been attacked enough over his absences. It was only about two weeks ago when commentator Mike Breen roasted the player by stating, “Zion Williamson in a familiar spot, on the bench in street clothes.” Ouch!

One individual stated, “If only the entire roster didn’t crumble and they were in it still…this was a team that everyone wanted to see finally make the playoffs”. Going into the matchup against the Wolves, the New Orleans side had a 7-29 record. It’s the 2nd worst one right behind the Wizards. Now, having lost against Anthony Edwards and Co., however, the situation has worsened for the team.

Overall, the majority of reactions were mixed in nature. Zion Williamson may have been too late in his return this season, as the Pelicans’ situation is quite precarious. Therefore, the most that he can do at this point is continue putting on a good show through his performances and hope for the best. Whether fate takes a different turn for him in the next few months is something that we wait to see.