Zion Williamson and the New Orleans Pelicans are surrounded by quite a lot of uncertainty. As soon as once more, the two-time All-Star is coping with damage points, having solely performed ten video games for the Pelicans this season. New Orleans signed the previous No. 1 total choose to a 2022 extension, a five-year deal midway to the place it needs to do with its celebrity going ahead.
ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith just lately made headlines when he stated Williamson not needs to be in New Orleans however as an alternative needs to play for a much bigger market. “Zion doesn’t wish to be in New Orleans, he doesn’t wish to be there,” Smith stated on his First Take present. “He needs to be in a significant market like Los Angeles, New York or no matter as a result of he needs market worth.”
BREAK:
Zion can nonetheless dunk
– Bar Stool Sports activities (@barstoolsports) January 8, 2025
The previous Duke star has not publicly responded instantly to those feedback, however he has reassured Pelicans followers of his need to stay in New Orleans. On the group’s season-ticket holder occasion on Sunday, Williamson advised the group how a lot it meant to him to play for the Pelicans.
“I really like New Orleans…it’s my dwelling.” pic.twitter.com/JLhLen2824
– New Orleans Pelicans (@PelicansNBA) January 19, 2025
“I really like New Orleans…it’s my dwelling,” Zion advised the group. Not too long ago, after a street recreation towards the Chicago Bulls, Williamson was requested about his favourite arenas and he famous that the Smoothie King Middle was his favourite. Pelicans followers hope this continues for the foreseeable future.
New Orleans has seen franchise gamers like Chris Paul and Anthony Davis depart the group for extra success elsewhere. The possibilities of the Pelicans touchdown one other generational expertise like Williamson are slim, so the group’s precedence is to maximise his time right here. This season, he’s averaging 21.9 factors, 8.2 rebounds and 5.3 assists.
Zion Williamson will get brutally trustworthy after loss to Warriors
The New Orleans Pelicans shake up their group after their loss to the Warriors
Sincere assertion from Brandon Ingram on Pelicans’ loss to Warriors