As one of the NBA’s brighter young superstars, Zion Williamson is one of the few players in the league who truly gets to dictate his future. Because of the singular influence he can have on any game as a physical power forward, the Pelicans are in a bind where they have to hope he wants to stay in New Orleans, rather than leave for perceived greener pastures.
Williamson hasn’t played in a game since last season due to a foot injury. Naturally, that means tension over his future will build gradually.
Charles Barkley questioned his fitness on national television. The Pelicans themselves didn’t include a mention of Williamson in a message to their season-ticket holders. One of Zion’s former teammates, J.J. Reddick, took issue with Williamson reportedly not reaching out to C.J. McCollum after the Pelicans acquired him at the trade deadline. Even before the madness of this season started, many questioned Williamson’s long-term commitment to New Orleans.
