Alvin Gentry had difficulty holding back a grin as a question was being asked Thursday about the process of incorporating Zion Williamson back into the New Orleans offense, after the rookie had been a primary option during preseason.

“It’ll be a good process,” Gentry responded, smiling and alluding to Williamson’s talent and potential impact. “It will be good to try to figure that one out.”

The top pick in the 2019 NBA Draft returned to practice Thursday morning, prior to the Pelicans’ afternoon cross-country flight to Los Angeles. There is no exact target date for the regular season debut of Williamson, but he’s already been ruled out of this weekend’s California back-to-back against the Lakers and Sacramento.

“Man, you guys love dates,” a smiling Williamson responded, when asked for more specifics on when he will play in a game. “I couldn’t tell you (exactly which game it will be). It will probably be like my college decision, where I wake up and just know. I’ll wake up one day and say (to the team), ‘I’m ready to go.’ ”

“There is no date,” Gentry said. “We just have to take it a day at a time, and see the kind of progress he makes, see what he does after practicing. We’ll put him out there when the time is right. When that is, I’m not really sure right now.”

Williamson likely will be on some kind of minute restriction when he returns to action, but that will be determined based on assessments by the medical and training staff. As Gentry joked, “We’re coaches – we’d probably try to play him 45 minutes, or 48 minutes. (Williamson’s initial workload) will be monitored and discussed when that times comes.”

The 19-year-old noted that the most difficult part of being sidelined has been trying to stay patient, saying, “It’s been a hard balance, because I’m 19 and I do want to get back out there (on the court). But from a professional standpoint, I do have to look at longevity.”

No matter when the Duke product is able to make his debut, the Pelicans are eager to see him back in uniform, after he made an immediate impression during four preseason appearances.

“He definitely fits in well,” guard Josh Hart said. “He can rebound the ball, push the ball down the court, finish at the rim at an unbelievable rate, get to the foul line – that’s something we’re struggling with, and he can help with that. It’s exciting. We can’t wait for him to get on the court.”

“I felt great,” Williamson said of practicing Thursday. “Being back on the court with the guys was a great experience.”