Ahead of the 2019 NBA Draft, it seemed like only a matter of time before Zion Williamson became a superstar, but four years later, that clearly hasn’t happened thus far in his NBA career. Zion has played just 114 out of 308 games for the New Orleans Pelicans during that span, and it’s fair to question whether he will ever live up to his incredible potential.
We have seen just how good he can be during those 114 games, but the Pelicans simply haven’t been able to rely on him. As a result, the Pelicans are reportedly open to trading him in an attempt to move up in the NBA draft in hopes of selecting Scoot Henderson second overall.
Zion Williamson Reportedly Doesn't Have Relationship With Pelicans' Organization, Minimal With Teammates https://t.co/P2ahU2bgxX
— RealGM (@RealGM) June 16, 2023
Is Zion’s time with the Pelicans coming to an end?
That sudden development casts doubt on one of the more talented young teams in the NBA. Two seasons ago, the Pelicans managed to sneak into the playoffs without Zion, leading to increased expectations for the 2022–23 season. They got off to a good start thanks in part to Zion’s play, but the Pelicans’ year began to go off the rails once he began missing time. In fact, he didn’t play a game after January 2nd, leading to the Pelicans missing the playoffs altogether.
Even then, it seemed likely that the Pelicans would give it another season before considering moving Zion. Instead, they appear to be open to offers for the former first-overall pick.
People around the league expect the Pelicans to move Zion Williamson by Thursday, per @BillSimmons
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) June 19, 2023
“The Zion thing is a real, real, real, subplot. I had somebody tell me yesterday—that I trust—that he will not be on [the Pelicans] by Thursday.” pic.twitter.com/CXZAgpr2kr
This comes as a report about his nonexistent relationship with the team and his teammates paints a picture of a player who seems unlikely to play in New Orleans for the long term.
Pelicans veteran guard CJ McCollom even hinted at the rift between Zion and the franchise. “Your ceiling is unlike anything the NBA has ever seen. But it’s up to you to take full advantage of whatever that is. I can’t want it for you… So it’s up to you to decide what that looks like.”
Things could always turn around; the Pelicans may opt not to trade Zion, and he is still young enough to put his injury history behind him and help the team win. That remains to be seen, but recent developments suggest that New Orleans doesn’t have much faith that he will be their franchise player going forward.