By Joël Pütz | Sports journalist
Zion Williamson’s situation with the Pelicans seems to be getting worse by the week. Especially since rumors of departure around the interior are insistent… Stephen A. Smith also looked into a possible move to the Lakers.
Five and a half years after his draft in first position, the problem is still the same for Zion Williamson : when he is on the field, it is difficult to stop him… except that for that, he would still have to be in uniform. 2023-24 had nevertheless given New Orleans hope since he had played 70 games for the first time in his career… But it seems that the improvement was ultimately only (very) short-lived.
This year, the big man has only played nine small matches and his usual worries have all resurfaced: physical ailments, weight problems and of course an attitude that is anything but impeccable. Except that even the sanctions put in place by its leaders don’t seem to bother him more than thatproof that the divide between the player and his franchise seems more irreparable than ever. A departure is necessary.
Mercilessly, Stephen A. Smith destroys Zion Williamson
It must be said that there have been a good number of transfer rumors surrounding Zion for months. An anonymous manager even declared that he was ready to go all-in on him, despite his very worrying CV. But as we have always known, he above all wants to wear the colors of a prestigious franchise. Like the Lakers for example, as has been whispered in the past? Stephen A. Smith reacted cash on First Take :
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Zion doesn’t want to be in New Orleans, he doesn’t want to be there. He wants to be in a big market like LA, New York, or whatever, because he wants to have more media exposure. But what he doesn’t realize is that someone like Ja Morant, even with his past issues, is a spectacular talent who plays most of the time unless he’s injured, and that guy can generate a lot of money.
He is clearly the better of the two in terms of availability and professionalism, despite his problems. If you look at Zion Williamson right now, it’s become a joke. You know this guy has superstar talent, but he doesn’t seem to care enough about being professional and he certainly doesn’t, I believe, want to be in New Orleans.
No pity with the former Duke prodigy, the polemicist nevertheless raised relevant points since the player’s attitude could harm him far from NOLA:
I think he wants to leave, I think that’s what it’s about and I think he’d rather be somewhere else. But why would anyone want him if that’s all you’re going to get from him?
It’s no secret that Zion Williamson dreams of playing in a big market, which completely contrasts with his environment in New Orleans. Some would be willing to take the risk of recovering him, but this is enormous since he stands out more for his visits to the infirmary than for his performances.
