Zion's surgery, Klay Thompson's return — Biggest takeaways from Media Day

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Zion Williamson, LaMelo Ball, Klay Thompson - Media Day

The 2021-22 NBA season is officially here, with teams kicking things off with Media Day. 

From injured players making their return to players in new uniforms that will certainly take a while getting used to, there was no shortage of highlights. 

Let's dive into the biggest takeaways from Media Day. 

Zion Williamson's injury update

New Orleans Pelicans star Zion Williamson underwent surgery to repair a fractured right foot this offseason, Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations David Griffin said at media day.

Per Griffin, Williamson suffered the injury prior to Summer League and the Pelicans are hopeful that his timeline "should get him back on the court in time for the regular season." The Pelicans face the Philadelphia 76ers on Oct. 20 in their regular season opener

Kawhi locked in 

LA Clippers star Kawho Leonard committed his long-term future to the franchise, inking a four-year, $176.3 million deal. 

"I'm here. I'm here to be a Clipper," Leonard said. "I'm not going to another team, unless something drastic happens. I'm here for the long run."

Leonard, who underwent surgery in July on his partially torn right ACL, provided an update on his injury and according to ESPN's Ohm Youngmisuk, he described his injury as "day to day” when asked if he'll return during the 2021-22 season.

While ACL injuries can usually require a 12-month recovery time, it's unclear if Leonard will return at any point this season, with Clippers head coach Tyronn Lue tempering expectations.

"If it's next season, it's next season. We don't want to force him to come back too early," Lue said.

Hornets ready to make noise

There's a real buzz in Charlotte as the Hornets look to build on their impressive run last season which saw them make the Play-In Tournament. 

"You've got to make the playoffs," recently re-signed guard Terry Rozier said.

Reigning Rookie of the Year, LaMelo Ball has been working on his body in the off-season, looking to add strength and size. "He spent a lot of time in the weight room and he's stronger," head coach James Borrego said.

Klay Thompson's timeline

Golden State Warriors shooting guard Klay Thompson looks set to miss the start of the regular season as he continues to recover from an Achille injury.

The Warriors did not share a specific timeline for Thompson's return. General Manager Bob Myers said Thompson could return "sometime maybe in December, maybe in January, I don't know when."

Thompson is yet to be cleared to scrimmage and has will participate in non-contact drills in training camp.

"If you were to watch Klay, certainly, at this point working out, if you didn't know, you'd say, 'Well, this guy looks like he can play now,'" Myers told reporters at Media day.

"But he hasn't played 5-on-5 in quite some time, so that's up to the training staff and it's up to the individuals to see when that's the right time to come back. But we'll tell you. I just don't have the exact answer to those questions yet."

Old faces in new places

Don't adjust your screen, these players have found new homes for 2021-22 and while it will take some getting used to, the new uniforms look clean!

Chicago Bulls

Lonzo Ball and DeMar DeRozan rocking their new Bulls uniforms alongside Nikola Vucevic and Zach LaVine. 

Kyle Lowry x Heat 

Kemba Walker is home

Capitol City Kuzma

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Benyam Kidane Photo

Benyam Kidane is a senior NBA editor for The Sporting News.