New Orleans Pelicans: 3 reasons Redick and Zion turned down Team USA

Photo by Sean Berry/NBAE via Getty Images
Photo by Sean Berry/NBAE via Getty Images /
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Photo by Elsa/Getty Images
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2. Time spent with the community

It’s fair to say that Williamson will be loved in any establishment he finds himself in in New Orleans. The charismatic gentle giant seems to have that effect in every room he steps in to. What comes next is using some of that newfound money to contribute in ways he couldn’t before he was paid to play the game he loves.

It’s well documented that contributing to community growth and improving the area is good for the public image of any and every athlete. For a one-and-done Duke product, it would only benefit his already growing image to show up at the local Boys and Girls Club for a meet and greet — as well as possibly giving a hefty donation.

For Redick, the same applies. Being a veteran who has collected plenty of game checks, it wouldn’t hurt to take some of that hard-earned cash and give to a New Orleans-based charity.

The people of the Big Easy will be receptive to both of their newcomers, especially after giving the lowly franchise some hope for the first time in a long time. But stepping in and making a bond with the community before the season even starts would be doing themselves a solid.