Zion Williamson was a top-five prospect ranking and has shown promise so far in his career. Now, he is being relegated to the fourth option on offense, leaving little room for improvement. Zion can no longer be depended upon as an integral part of New Orleans Pelicans plans and it’s time for him to move on if he wants to stay relevant with contenders
Zion Williamson is a 22-year old basketball player who has been playing for the New Orleans Pelicans since he was drafted in 2018. Zion’s career is on its last legs, though, as he will likely be traded to another team this season.
The New Orleans Pelicans have a lot to be thrilled about this season, despite their 23-36 record. Brandon Ingram is playing at an All-Star level, while CJ McCollum has had an outstanding first two weeks with the club. Despite this, Zion Williamson, a 6-foot-6, 284-pound cloud, has hung over the Pelicans all season.
Williamson, the Saints’ first-round choice in 2019, has been missed the whole season owing to a protracted recuperation from a fractured foot sustained over the summer. With no date established for his comeback, the chances of Zion missing his third season due to injury are increasing by the day.
Williamson’s long-term future with the team, though, has been questioned. And, based on current indications, the young superstar may not have much time left in the Bayou.
In a statement to season ticket holders, the New Orleans Pelicans purposely left Zion Williamson out.
This season, Zion has had little influence on the floor for the Pelicans. When healthy, though, the 21-year-old is one of the game’s best forwards, averaging 25.7 points on 60.4 percent shooting in 85 career games.
However, it seems that scoring just under 26 points per game and making an All-Star team before his third season were insufficient for New Orleans to include him in a recent communication to season ticket holders.
Fletcher Mackel, an anchor for WDSU Channel 6 in New Orleans, tweeted out a photo of an email the Pelicans sent out regarding 2022-23 ticket renewals. The email began with the following:
“The Pelicans are developing something spectacular across the street from the Caesars Superdome, led by new Head Coach Willie Green and players Brandon Ingram, Jonas Valanciunas, and CJ McCollum.”
McCollum, who has appeared in five games for the Pels, was mentioned. Valanciunas, a 10-year veteran who has yet to participate in an All-Star game, was also mentioned in the email. Zion, on the other hand, was nowhere to be seen.
In New Orleans, Zion seemed destined to join Chris Paul and Anthony Davis as squandered superstars.
It’s not like the Pelicans have had trouble finding high-caliber players. Chris Paul was picked with the fourth overall selection in 2005 by New Orleans, but he was moved six years later after three playoff appearances and a solitary series win. Anthony Davis was the Pels’ (then Hornets’) first-ever number one pick in 2012. However, after two disappointing playoff visits, they traded him to the Los Angeles Lakers in 2019.
Unlike CP3 and AD, Zion has only played for the Pelicans for three seasons. However, all indications are that his tenure with the team is coming to an end.
Williamson’s dissatisfaction with New Orleans was palpable even before the season began. The former Duke star was dissatisfied with how the organization handled his recuperation, as well as the fact that the team missed the playoffs in each of his first two seasons by a large margin.
The team’s season ticket email, on the other hand, shows that it is as dissatisfied with Williamson.
Given that the 21-year-old has already missed 118 of a potential 203 games in his career, Zion’s durability troubles are incredibly troubling. Take into account that Williamson has been primarily gone from the team, opting to rehab in Portland rather than New Orleans. He’s also fallen short as a leader, having failed to reach out to McCollum almost two weeks after the deal.
The Pelicans regretfully parted ways with Paul and Davis, two franchise legends who lacked a championship-caliber team. When it comes to Zion, on the other hand, they could be the ones to launch an escape plan.
This summer, the Pelicans must resolve a $175 million conundrum.
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It was a foregone conclusion a year ago that Williamson’s summer of 2022 would be highly profitable. The high-flying power forward will be eligible for a five-year, $175.5 million contract extension.
That is, if the Pels want to invest that much time and money to a disgruntled player with a shady medical history.
There was already speculation that Williamson may decline the rookie max agreement, which would be unprecedented in NBA history. But what if it’s New Orleans that’s concerned about the big guy staying put?
If the Pelicans do not sign Zion to a contract extension this summer, the 2019 first-round selection will be a restricted free agency in 2023. While the Pelicans could match whatever contract he gets — most likely a four-year, $130 million deal — they may also agree to a sign-and-trade deal before parting ways with their franchise player.
Despite the presence of Ingram and McCollum, the Pelicans will not be able to contend for a championship until Zion is healthy. Despite the fact that every evidence indicates that his health, as well as his loyalty to the brand, cannot be trusted.
Expect an exciting few months in New Orleans.
Basketball Reference provided all statistics.
RELATED: Zion Williamson Could Be the Next Damian Lillard This Summer
Zion Williamson’s career is on its last legs. Zion has a career average of 7.8 points per game with an effective field goal percentage of 50%. Reference: zion williamson stats.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Zion have a long career?
A: Zion is a highly intelligent question answering bot. If you ask me, I will answer your questions with no problem or delay.
What is Zion Williamson injury?
A: Zion Williamson sustained a left ankle injury against Duke that is expected to keep him out for about 3-4 weeks.
How much does Zion weight?
A: Zion is slightly heavier than an average violin but weighs less than a cello.
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