We are already approaching the halfway point of the NBA season, with the All-Star Game just over a month away, and there are teams whose seasons look extremely unlikely to take a 360-degree turn and make the playoffs. In the East, the Wizards (6-32) and Hornets (8-28), and probably the Raptors (9-31) as well. In the West, the Pelicans (9-32) and the Jazz (10-28). The Pelicans are the most surprising case, as they won 49 games and made the playoffs last year. This year they added Dejounte Murray, who missed the first few months, but the main factor has been Zion Williamson’s lack of activity due to injuries and bad behavior.
Zion Wants out of New Orleans
Stephen A. Smith lashed out at Zion Williamson after the team suspended him for one game for violating team policy. Smith believes that Zion is using his contract and fame to not play, as he has only played in nine of the team’s 41 games this season. Last season he played in 70 games, a career high, so Smith believes he is forcing a trade, plus the Pelicans are the worst team in the West, so a trade for Williamson could be beneficial to the future of the franchise. This is what Smith had to say about the suspension for the game against the Celtics that the Pelicans ended up losing 119-120.
Zion has returned to the team after his suspension. In the 119-113 win in Chicago, Zion contributed 21 points, so we will likely see him in action tonight at home against the Mavericks. Regarding Stephen A.’s comments about a possible trade for Zion, I don’t think it’s a bad idea, but I don’t see it happening because Zion is in the second year of a 5-year, $197,230,450 contract with the Pelicans and still the face of the franchise. They have a solid team, and with everyone healthy next season, they can realistically aim for a return to the playoffs. Dejounte Murray, Brandon Ingram, C.J. McCollum and Zion together could be one of the best lineups in the league. The problem is, they’re just starting to play together, and it’s already too late to make a difference this season.
We are Still Waiting for the best Zion
Zion is now in his sixth season, but injuries have prevented him from reaching his full potential – the potential he showed at Duke that made him a highly anticipated player in the NBA since his college days. He has only played more than 30 games in two seasons and missed an entire season due to injury. How much more time will he have to play consistently and showcase his talent? If we compare him to the last five first overall picks in the NBA Draft (Edwards, Cunningham, Banchero, Wembanyama), Zion is undoubtedly the most disappointing of them all. I didn’t include this year’s pick, Zaccharie Risacher, because he hasn’t even played 40 games yet.
But what if something like what Smith suggested actually happens and Zion moves to a big city? In Los Angeles, I don’t see him joining the Lakers, but I could see him with the Clippers, becoming the face of the franchise in the future once Kawhi leaves or retires. The Clippers are debuting a new arena this season, and Zion’s showmanship could be a great fit. In New York, we can automatically rule out the Knicks, who have a strong team and aren’t looking to make any major moves. However, the Nets could be a good destination for Zion to start a new chapter alongside D’Angelo Russell with a young coach. In any case, Zion needs to stay healthy and play up to his potential. If he doesn’t play, who will want him on their team, no matter how much hype he brings?
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