This season, Zion Williamson has become one of the biggest mysteries in the NBA. He hasn’t played a single game following a surgery that was kept mostly under the radar by those within the organization.
But now, with no update or explanation on Williamson’s ongoing absence, some New Orleans residents are starting to turn on the former no. 1 overall pick.
On Twitter, one post went viral that featured a Zion-themed float in the city. The messaging was not very subtle.
https://twitter.com/TheNBACentral/status/1497708919258497024
The situation in New Orleans has taken a bizarre turn over the past few weeks. During an email meant to target season ticket holders, Zion’s name was left off completely despite being the main draw of the team just last season.
When the team traded for CJ McCollum earlier this month, Williamson took days to welcome and greet his new teammate, prompting a rather heated response from former Pelicans guard, JJ Redick.
“There’s a general decorum of behavior that you need to apply as a teammate,” said Redick. “Like, this just shows a complete lack of investment in your team, in the organization, in the city. I get that he’s hurt and away from the team, but you just traded for one of the 50 best players in the league, a guy that’s supposed to be paired with you. Reach out and say hello.”
“This is a pattern that we’re seeing with Zion, again and again, look, I was his teammate. I can describe him as a detached teammate. That is an accurate statement. This is just a basic, basic level of humanity being a teammate.”
Zion hasn’t made a public appearance in months, leaving many fans wondering what exactly is going on behind the scenes.
Meanwhile, the Pelicans continue to play on without him while building a team they feel can compete upon his eventual return.
Hopefully, Williamson comes back in a blaze of glory, ready to win back the hearts of the fans in New Orleans. Until then, a feeling of angst will loom over the franchise.
