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Zion Williamson's future with the New Orleans Pelicans has been the subject of speculations throughout the 2021-22 season. His absence due to a foot injury also didn't help in stopping the talks that he's done with the franchise.
However, Zion's stepfather, Lee Anderson, shot those talks down and emphasized they are committed to the franchise. Contrary to previous reports, Anderson highlighted that even before the draft, they figured the city of New Orleans as a “great spot” for Zion.
He also pointed out that those “sources” that various media outlets cite are not reliable. Unless the information came from Anderson, Zion himself, his mom, and stepbrother Noah, then it's not true.
“New Orleans was a city we talked about before the draft that would be a great spot for him. We embraced it then and we are currently still embracing it. Now there’s been a lot of speculation and a lot of talk about Zion not wanting to be apart of the fabric in New Orleans. For the life of me I don’t know where that came from…it’s always somebody referring to sources or somebody in Zion’s camp. There are only 4 sources in Zion’s camp. That’s Zion’s Mom, that’s me, that’s Noah, and that’s Zion. If it didn’t come from one of us, they’re not sources,” Anderson said in an appearance on the “Jordy Culotta Show,” per Macon.
There were also previous rumors about how Zion Williamson was allegedly not happy with the direction of the Pelicans franchise. It was one of the biggest reasons why the former no. 1 overall pick was said to be leaning on leaving the team, something that Lee Anderson vehemently denied.
Aside from giving a status update on Williamson's injury, Anderson also shared how satisfied Zion is with the current roster. He believes that the team has really created a group that would allow the explosive big man to thrive and contend at the highest level in the NBA.
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The Pelicans traded for CJ McCollum at the deadline and has been thriving since then, even competing for a play-in spot as they look to make the postseason once again.
“He’s feeling great,” Anderson said on Zion's injury.
“Speaking to the Pelicans staff they’ve mentioned that they’re just 1 player away from being where the team needs to be at. That’s enough for me to know that they’re putting their stock in getting Zion healthy and being ready for the long haul.”
Williamson has been ruled out for the rest of the regular season after initial belief that he would be able to play this year following a shocking foot injury. However, Anderson hinted there is still a chance for Zion to suit up–potentially in the play-in tournament or the playoffs if they make it–but it will all depend on the New Orleans medical staff.
It remains to be seen what will really happen to Williamson in NOLA. While his camp is saying they want to stay now, a lot can happen in the NBA. Not to mention that Zion is one of the most marketable players in the NBA and big market teams (like the New York Knicks) will always have interest in players of his status.
For Pelicans fans, they are surely hoping that what Anderson said is true and Zion is ready to stick with New Orleans and make it work.
