The recent departure of Anthony Davis opened the way for No. 1 overall selection Zion Williamson to carve his own legend in The Big Easy, but that big a power comes with its share of responsibility. It didn't take long for Williamson to face the reality of the NBA and the free-agency process, including questions about his intentions after hoping to play in New York with the Knicks, but fatefully landing with the New Orleans Pelicans.
The 6-foot-7 forward surprised the room, saying he hopes to remain with this franchise for his entire career, which is a daunting proposition in today's era of player control:
“I’m gonna try to give you the best answer I can give. Personally, I’ve always told myself I want to stay with one team,” Williamson told Macklin Stern of Complex. “Growing up, I loved what Kobe did and Dirk did, and I think if anybody’s a Michael Jordan fan, they kinda erase the Wizards thing. He still did very well there, but at the end of the day, I don’t think people look at it from the business point of view. Some people want to stay with one team but they get traded. My intentions are to stay with the Pelicans my whole career, but if something happens, I wouldn’t leave because I hate the place. It’s just the business.”
Davis had the same outlook coming into the NBA in 2012, but things do change over the course of the years, and it could very well change for Williamson as well. While he has been warmly received by locals and the organization itself, it will be up to him to withstand the ebb and flow of the season and help spearhead this team to a brighter future.
Luckily for him, the front office should be in better hands with an experienced mind like David Griffin at the helm, who has already made plenty of moves to put the Pelicans on the right trajectory.
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