After their loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder on Wednesday, the season is now officially over for the New Orleans Pelicans and all eyes will be watching to see what they do next.
While some argue the Pels should continue to build around Zion and hope for good health, Kendrick Perkins says it’s time for the franchise to consider trading him so they can finally move on and compete with a new star.
“If we can see the weight he’s put on, you bet the organization sees it as well. When you’re dealing with a hamstring injury, it doesn’t take that damn long to come back. When you first get injured two things are gonna happen: they’re gonna tell you what’s the plan, your recovery, treatment, all that. The second thing they’re gonna talk to you about is nutrition, your diet. I’m pretty sure the organization has told Zion time and time again, to watch what you eat, and make sure you go on a diet so you can come back and recover… the word trust comes into play. If I’m the front office of the New Orleans Pelicans, do I trust this guy to be my franchise player. Do I trust him that I can give him the keys to my car to drive it? The answer is no… and his value is decreasing. So if I’m the Pelicans, I’m looking to trade Zion Williamson this offseason.”
.@KendrickPerkins thinks the Pelicans should be looking to TRADE Zion 😳 pic.twitter.com/GUUj1XH0Qy
— First Take (@FirstTake) April 13, 2023
It’s an undoubtedly extreme take from KP, but Zion hasn’t been able to prove him wrong so far. With just 114 games played over the past four seasons, Williamson is about as unreliable as they come regarding being available to play.
Pelicans Are Disappointed After Another Failed Season
New Orleans was once the first seed in the West and looked like a favorite to make the Conference Finals. But after Zion went down earlier this year, the team took a free-fall down the standings and never recovered.
“Throughout my career, I’ve always been the type of player to do whatever it takes to help a team,” said Pelicans guard CJ McCollum after the season-ending loss. “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.”
Obviously, the Pelicans will most likely not trade Williamson this summer, but one has to wonder how much longer they can keep going like this.
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