As the face of the New Orleans Pelicans, we all want to see Zion Williamson thrive on the NBA basketball court. Unfortunately, due to various injuries and mishaps, Zion has yet to fulfill his potential as he struggles to stay healthy and in shape throughout the season.
The response from the fans and media is getting pretty extreme now, with some calling for the team to trade the young superstar. But in a chat on Stephen A.’s World, Pelicans guard CJ McCollum came to the defense of his teammate and explained why some of the criticism has been a little too much.
“I think it’s unfair to assume that [Zion] doesn’t want to play basketball. You’re talking about a guy who loves to compete. He loves the bright lights, he loves the big moments as you could see from how we started our season — first in the West, him being a starter in the All-Star game. Can we all improve as individuals as far as our approach to the game? I absolutely believe so. There’s another step and growth that we’re all gonna go through as a team and think he’s currently going through it and understanding the importance of the little stuff…”
.@CJMcCollum on people questioning Zion's availability:
"I think it's unfair to assume that [Zion] doesn't want to play basketball. You're talking about a guy who loves to compete." pic.twitter.com/I1wJdJiH0M
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) April 15, 2023
The Pelicans looked like a contender when Zion was playing earlier this season, but staying on the floor has never been a strong suit for Zion, and it’s been the theme of his basketball career since before he was drafted.
But CJ is also the guy who subtly called out Zion himself after revealing he played through a major hand injury.
Zion’s Absence Is Frustrating His Teammates
Zion’s health has been unclear for some time now, and it seems not even the Pelicans know what’s really going on with him. After very cryptic updates about re-evaluations, it became evident to fans that Williamson would not return for the playoffs and it devastated the team.
“Throughout my career, I’ve always been the type of player to do whatever it takes to help a team,” said McCollum. “I could’ve took the easy way and gotten surgery and just sat and watch, but I’m not that type of person, that type of player. Even though it affected my performance tonight. I’ve never made excuses, I just go compete, do the best that I can and lead by example.”
It’s hard to fathom what comes next for the Pels after such a heartbreaking collapse, but there really isn’t anything they can do besides wait for next year and try it all again. Hopefully, next time, he’ll be able to play more than half the season.
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