After revealing in a TNT interview on Saturday that he hadn’t been in contact at all with Zion Williamson since being traded to New Orleans, Pelicans guard CJ McCollum tells Malika Andrews of ESPN (Twitter link) that the star forward has since reached out to him and the two have spoken.
Williamson has been away from the Pelicans as he rehabs a foot injury that has sidelined him for the entire season, but it was still surprising that he and McCollum hadn’t had any communication nearly two weeks after New Orleans agreed to trade for the standout guard.
Current ESPN analyst and former Pelicans guard J.J. Redick criticized Williamson today for what he called a “complete lack of investment” in the team, describing him as a “detached teammate.” However, while the incident may fuel more speculation about Zion’s commitment to the Pels, there has been no indication that people within the organization viewed it as a serious problem.
Here’s more from around the Southwest:
- Appearing on 1310 The Ticket in Dallas on Tuesday, Mavericks owner Mark Cuban said he thinks Luka Doncic was “humbled a little bit” by criticism at the start of this season about his conditioning, as Tim MacMahon of ESPN relays. “I think he didn’t like being called out for his weight and other things, and it finally clicked that there’s a level of discipline that’s required,” Cuban said, adding that Doncic has been “unstoppable” since getting in better shape. “All athletes at his level go through it at some level, where things are just easy and you’re always used to being the best and you’re always used to getting all the accolades. Then when something doesn’t go according to expected, it makes you reconsider.”
- Keith Smith of Spotrac examines what an offseason contract for Mavericks guard Jalen Brunson might look like, noting that Brunson isn’t a legitimate candidate for a maximum-salary contract, but should get more than what Dallas can currently offer in an extension ($55.6MM over four years).
- Having made his first All-Star team this season, Spurs guard Dejounte Murray is already eager to prove he can do it again, writes Tom Orsborn of The San Antonio Express-News. “I’m not a one-hit wonder. I got to be back here,” Murray said on Sunday. “… There ain’t no way I can miss out on these types of events. It was a hell of a weekend. I have to keep working.”
Pelicans should just move off Zion.
He doesn’t really want to play for you, he isn’t a great with your other players, he’s not a great team mate, he doesn’t see eye to eye with Griffin.
Move him now while his value is still somewhat high and don’t let this drag on like the Ben Simmons situation.
Hawks : John Collins, Jalen Johnson and 3 first round picks
Knicks: Julius Randle, Immanuel Quickly and 3 first round picks
Hornets: Terry Rozier, PJ Washington, James Bouknight, 2 first round picks and 2 seconds.
Rockets: Christian Wood, KPJ, Usman Garuba, 2 first round picks and 2 seconds.
Just some ideas ….
His value will be higher if he’s healthy. Trading him now could just look like trading Greg Oden. Play him for a month and see the value he could garner ala Anthony Davis
Philly traded Simmons after a very poor playoffs performance and him holding out having not played all season.
His value would be higher if he plays now and showcases his skills but it’s still really high now.
With all due respect… In what world is that fat, lazy, injury plagued bust worth that package from ATL? No way (and no, not a Hawks fan)!
You say that now, just like people said who would give up anything good for Ben that drama queen that can’t even shoot blah blah blah blah. But when making a trade the main thing is talent. Zion when he plays is an all star, generational talent which can absolutely dominate. He obviously has his issues as does Ben but he’s going to fetch a huge price in a trade if traded.
Atlanta would be pretty lethal with Trae and Zion. Two likely top 10 players in the future, an elite shooter and elite slashing forward with huge two way ability. Plus count in Hunter, Hueter, Capela, Okungwu, Gallo, Bogi, Cooper etc etc
Would be a step price but the start of building a top 5 team
Lol fat and lazy. Zion has worked his entire short life to put he and his family in a position that generations of your bloodline haven’t and will not achieve. Re think your words Brian
If this story is true about Zion (not talking to teammates or calling guys just added to the team) … his level of immaturity is staggering. I don’t 100% blame him for this though.. it’s very clear to me the Pelicans are a bad franchise and are setting this vulnerable kid up to fail. He needs to go to a place where he can be shown how to become an adult.
@Jeremy
I don’t take this as something serious at all. He’s not traveling with the team. he originally had no idea of protocol, etc. its not like he’s had veteran mentors around to learn from. I hate the way narratives can be created without the player uttering a single word. Is he out of shape? Slightly. Is it from being lazy? not sure. does he have leg issues that can effect him? yes. he’s knocked knees and that is really bad news.
. @jj_redick is concerned with how “detached” Zion Williamson has been from the team. “This is a pattern of behavior that we are seeing again and again with Zion.”
Source: Twitter
People thought I was crazy. When I said how glad I was to not get the top pick. Everyone killed the Knicks cause they didn’t land the top pick. Like we had something to do with it.
I wanted Morant that yr. Cause not only did I know he was going to be good. But cause he was a real PG. Something we’ve been wanting for ever. Then top three meant RJ. I’m good with him too. RJ will fulfill his lofty expectations. I have no doubt. But I’m so glad we got RJ and not the Michelin Man !!
link to images.app.goo.gl
Well, you’re entitled to your opinion, but I just hope you feel good about yourself after putting down a 20 year old kid behind his back over his weight.
We all gain weight if we don’t take care of ourselves. Out of shape does not belong in pro sports. Especially a #1 pick. A supposedly generational star. Zion got 50 mill guaranteed. To some that’s already made it. To a few they want to be a HOFer. They want to change the gm. Cause then you become a Billionaire. That’s the price of real fame today.
@Knick
I think it’s unfair for them to attack Zion this way. You can critique him for being so out of shape. all that other stuff means he needs a mentor.