Redick speaks truth on unfortunate Zion Williamson situation with Pelicans

Zion Williamson basically fell into the laps of the New Orleans Pelicans in the 2019 thanks to the NBA Draft Lottery.

Since that time, it’s been far to rare to see the ex-Duke star on the court.

Williamson was limited to 24 games as a rookie because of a knee injury. Prior to the tip off of the current NBA season, Pelicans basketball operations chief David Griffin reported that Williamson would be “available for the upcoming season” following offseason foot surgery.

Fast forward to the present. If my math is correct, Williamson has played in 85 NBA contests, missing a potential 118 other regular season games for NEw Orleans.

The Pelicans under first year coach Willie Green are scratching and clawing to get over the hump with a record of 23-36, just shy of a play-in spot for the playoffs. The team is far from full strength with not Williamson but greatly improved after a brutal 1-12 start and recently bolstered by the acquisition of C.J. McCollum.

Williamson has averaged 25.7 points with 7.2 rebounds, shooting 61 percent during his time on the floor. In his second season in which he managed to play 61 games, he was a worthy All-Star selection. The potential for even more was evident.

The specifics of the broken right foot indicates a tricky issue for an athlete. In his case, it’s the fifth metatarsal on the outer part where balance and the ability of a player to push off the foot are greatly affected. It’s possible t original surgery did not correct the problem and an injection to promote healing also seems to have not sped up the recovery process. A second surgery is a possibility.

Unfortunately, the injury may not be the only problem with the 21-year old.

Former Pelicans guard J.J. Redick, who played with Zion during his rookie campaign, is a former Duke Blue Devil like Williamson. The now retired Redick left New Orleans during the trade deadline in 2021 and voiced his displeasure with Griffin’s handling of the trade.

Redick has never been one to hold back his opinion. As a 16-year veteran, he was always considered one who gave it his all. He left Duke as the program’s all-time leading scorer for a single season and filled the role of a reliable outside shooter throughout his NBA career.

On ESPN’s First take, he called out Williamson due to actions he felt unbecoming of an NBA player. Redick weighed concepts like team etiquette with fellow players. As someone who did not leave the Pelicans happy, he is someone whose word on the issue carries much weight (no pun intended).

McCollum, who recently arrived via a trade from the Portland Trailblazers, mentioned during the NBA All-Star break that he hadn’t heard from Williamson. Redick took issue with that.

“This is a bit insane,” Redick stated to host Stephen A. Smith. “There is a general decorum of behavior that you should apply as a teammate. Shows a complete lack of investment in your team, in the city. I get that (Williamson) is hurt and away from the team, but you just traded for one of the best 50 players in the league (McCollum). A guy that’s supposed to be paired with you. Reach out and say hello.

“This is a pattern of behavior with Zion that we are seeing again and again. And look, I was his teammate. I can describe him as a detached teammate. That is an accurate statement. This is basic level of humanity being a teammate. Send a text to a guy when he gets traded to your team. This is just normal behavior. That is the bare minimum that you have to do.”

Smith agreed with Redick, stating that Williamson is probably pushing for a trade. That is a thought crossing many minds observing the situation.

The Pelicans organization has only shared limited information on Zion’s rehab and anticipated time of return. That’s primarily because Williamson is rehabbing in Portland and not under the watchful eye of the organization. The front office receives reports, but it seems unusual that he is even allowed to detach himself from the franchise while dealing with a delicate recovery.

Will Williamson suit up for the Pelicans this season? It is not wise to expect him to return this season.

All of this current drama does not label Williamson as a bad person. On March 20, 2020, he pledged to pay the salaries of all employees of the Smoothie King Center for 30 days during the suspension of the NBA campaign due to the pandemic.

However, his commitment to the Pelicans is very much in doubt.

Most New Orleans fans have thought exactly what Redick put into words on a national forum. His perspective as a former teammate is much more credible than any pundit’s opinion.

Before this story unfolds further, both the Pelicans organization and its loyal fans are deserving of the truth.