Zion Williamson was the most hyped-up player to enter the NBA since LeBron James and after being taken No. 1 overall in 2019 by the New Orleans Pelicans, the prophecy spoke that Zion would forever change the Pelicans organization.
Now in Year 3 with New Orleans, Williamson has played in a total of 85 career games and has not stepped foot on the basketball court this season.
In the offseason, Zion Williamson suffered a fractured right foot that required surgery, but the problem is that he went and had surgery on his own without telling anyone within the Pelicans organization, leaving the entire franchise spitting out their coffee on Media Day when he showed up in a walking boot and crutches.
This injury was downplayed at first by the Pelicans and they originally stated that if he wasn’t ready for the start of the season, it would not be long after for him to rejoin the team. This was in late September, early October, and here we are now near the end of February talking about Zion Williamson sitting out the remainder of the year.
LATEST NBA INJURY NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: When Will There Be A Real Update Surrounding Zion Williamson?
Not to mention, all of this drama and Zion’s foot surgery occurred after a story was released by The Athletic stating that those close to Williamson want him out of New Orleans.
Zion Williamson’s future with the New Orleans Pelicans is very clouded right now and it seems like it is just one thing after another with the young All-Star.
He has been away from the team and rehabbing independently in Portland, but that is about all the team has said in regards to Zion Williamson. He has had no contact with his teammates and even newly acquired CJ McCollum has not talked to him, as the star guard said during All-Star Weekend on TNT.
“I’ve spoken with some people close to him, and I look forward to sitting down with him sooner than later,” McCollum told the TNT crew in regards to Williamson. “I know about as much as you do right now, but I’m gonna get to the bottom of it.”
LATEST NBA INJURY NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: When Will There Be A Real Update Surrounding Zion Williamson?
Since McCollum stated this on live TV though, ESPN’s Malika Andrews has reported that Zion Williamson and CJ McCollum have talked with one another.
Recently on ESPN’s First Take, former NBA guard J.J. Redick voiced his opinion on this situation brewing in New Orleans from first-hand experience, as Redick was a member of the Pelicans during the 2019-20 season, as well as part of the 2020-21 season.
“I was not the best player on any team I was on, but if there was a buyout possibility, trade possibility, I would always reach out to the team,” Redick said. “This just shows a complete lack of investment in your team, in the organization, in the city, I get that he is hurt and away from the team, but they just traded for one of the 50 best players in the league, a guy that is supposed to be paired with you. Reach out and say hello… This is a pattern of behavior we are seeing with Zion again and again…”
Coming from someone who spent 15 years in the NBA, was well respected by many players and organizations, as well as spent time with Zion Williamson, these are some strong words offered by Redick on the situation in New Orleans.
LATEST NBA INJURY NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: When Will There Be A Real Update Surrounding Zion Williamson?
Things have seemed to get a little bit out of hand between the Pelicans and Zion Williamson and even more drama/mystery was added when the organization sent out season ticket emails talking about the future of the franchise with Brandon Ingram, CJ McCollum, Jonas Valanciunas, and head coach Willie Green.
There was no mention of Zion Williamson in the email and not only was he not included in the player list, but he was not featured in the artwork or pictures attached with the season ticket email.
What is going on in New Orleans?
Not only are there discrepancies between Zion’s surgery in the offseason and whether or not the Pelicans actually knew about this, but now all of a sudden, Zion Williamson has become one of the hottest names on the trade block as the offseason quickly approaches.
LATEST NBA INJURY NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: When Will There Be A Real Update Surrounding Zion Williamson?
Zion Williamson has not talked to the media all season long and nobody seems to have any information on his stance on anything that has transpired over the last few months, which has led to countless speculation about his future in the NBA.
Assuming he is going to be out for the rest of the season, Zion is going to be entering the offseason extension-eligible and entering the final year of his rookie deal for the 2022-23 season. Should he and the Pelicans not agree on a new long-term extension ahead of the start of next season, it will become very clear that Zion Williamson’s future is not in New Orleans.
