During the New Orleans Pelicans‘ preseason trip to Melbourne for the NBA × NBL exhibition series, Zion Williamson‘s minutes came under scrutiny. But it wasn’t just fans voicing displeasure – his girlfriend, Ahkeema Love, stepped into the fold, using her platform and presence to push for more playing time.
Her visible support signals both personal loyalty and a broader impatience among the Pelicans faithful. On Friday night, as the Pelicans faced off against Melbourne United, a video surfaced showing Ahkeema Love joining fans in a chant.
“We want Zion”, they chanted repeatedly. That message carried an unmistakable tone – urging the team to lean more heavily into their star.
Williamson played limited minutes in that game, though he still managed to contribute, putting up 15 points and 5 assists on 5-for-8 shooting. The Pelicans secured a 107-97 win, with Trey Murphy III leading the team with 18 points.
Pressure cranks up on New Orleans Pelicans
It’s clear that Love‘s public gesture was not just symbolic. For a player whose name carries weight in New Orleans, a vocal nod from his partner can amplify expectations and deepen the scrutiny on coaching decisions.
Love‘s message arrives in a climate of growing fan impatience over Williamson‘s utilization. His health and role have long been within public discussion – each minute counted, every rotation debated. By physically participating in a chant during the game, Love effectively sidestepped silence and became part of the narrative.
Williamson didn’t shy away from acknowledging the uproar. After the matchup, he told reporters: “Sunday, I think they’ll give me more minutes. I hope so. If they show up on Sunday, I got something for them.”
His response suggests he’s aware of the pressure and perhaps inching toward a more assertive role. It also underscores that the calls for more court time – whether from fans, Love, or media – may be influencing how the Pelicans choose to deploy their star.
Beyond the message itself, Love’s presence at the event drew attention for its timing, symbolism, and boldness. It wasn’t the first time she’s appeared in the spotlight alongside Zion, but this moment broke from mere attendance – she added her voice to the collective demand.
At the same time, Love‘s relationship with Williamson has been subject to public and legal turbulence. In April 2025, she was arrested and charged with home invasion, aggravated burglary, and stalking in Louisiana.
Authorities allege she used a key to enter a woman’s home, assaulted the victim using the keys, and made via social media threatening messages such as, “Don’t worry. It’s going to be your head next when I drop this baby. Count your days.”
These serious allegations add a layer of complexity to her public appearances. While the chant may seem small in isolation, it becomes part of a broader narrative surrounding Love, Williamson, and their shared public identity.
A difficult balance to strike
For the Pelicans organization, managing this pressure is delicate. Williamson‘s health has always been a prioritised concern, and balancing his minutes – especially in exhibition settings – involves strategic judgment.
On the other hand, ignoring visible calls from fans and a high-profile partner risks eroding trust and stoking discontent.
As the NBA × NBL series continues, Sunday’s game looms large. If Williamson logs more minutes following these events, the shift could be seen as a response to Love’s intervention and fan demands. If not, questions about usage and team priorities will only amplify.
Love’s moment on the sidelines stirred more than noise. It challenged the Pelicans to respond – and made it clear that Zion‘s court role is now a matter of public debate.
Read the full article here
