NBA writer Keith Smith of Spotrac spoke to an anonymous member of the New Orleans Pelicans who said all the reports about Zion Williamson not working hard and not liking his teammates are “garbage.”
There have been several questions about Williamson’s diet and commitment to basketball since he’s only played 114 out of possible 308 regular-season games since being drafted by the Pelicans with the first overall pick in the 2019 draft out of Duke.
“Let me start with saying all the noise about Zion not working, not liking his teammates and wanting out, it’s all nonsense,” the anonymous member of the Pelicans said. “Complete garbage. Zion knows he’s made some mistakes. What 20- and 21-year-old hasn’t? But he’s a hard worker and he gets along with his teammates. It’s painful to read some of this made-up stuff that’s out there.”
Williamson played in 24 games in his rookie year and 61 games in his sophomore year. The lefty then missed his entire third year and appeared in just 29 games last season.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Zion Williamson & New Orleans Pelicans Updates
When he’s been on the court, Williamson has been a superstar. The North Carolina native has career averages of 25.8 points, 7.0 rebounds and 3.6 assists while shooting 60.5% from the floor. However, the Pelicans are only 57-57 when Williamson plays.
The Pelicans were interested in trading up in the 2023 draft to select Scoot Henderson. There were rumors about New Orleans trading Williamson to the Portland Trail Blazers, who drafted Henderson. However, no deal was made.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Zion Williamson & New Orleans Pelicans Updates
Williamson signed a five-year, $194.3 million designated rookie contract extension with the Pelicans in July 2022. New Orleans vice president of basketball operations David Griffin told Sirus XM Radio during Summer League in Las Vegas that the franchise’s relationship with Williamson is “as good as it’s ever been.”
Williamson told former NBA guard Gilbert Arenas that he’s not intentionally missing games and badly wants to play.
“I’m a hooper,” Williamson said. “When I’m sitting on the sidelines watching my teammates in certain games they’re losing, I know if I was out there, I could change the outcome. What I want people to know about me is I just want to hoop. I want to be out there. Nobody wants to just sit on the sideline. I think that’s what I want people to understand. I don’t want to be on the sideline. Y’all think I want to sit over there hurt? I don’t.”
Want the latest NBA analysis, breaking news, and insider information? Click Here. Follow NBA Analysis Network on Twitter and Facebook.
