On February 25, Beijing time, former NBA head coach and now a commentator, Fan Gandy Jr., talked about his former apprentice Williamson Zion in an interview: "Zion must control his career by himself. When you're a young player and it's hardest to take control of your career on your own, there will be a lot of voices in your head, and no matter who your team or your agent is, you'll eventually have to stand up and take the lead. From a leadership perspective, what a young player can do is be with the team and then be a good teammate. ”
Many fans know that Zion has not played a game this season. In October 2021, the Pelicans officially announced that Zion had fractured the fifth metatarsal bone of his right foot due to excessive training. According to Pelicans reporter Christian Clark, Zion's right foot may need to undergo surgery again, but no plan has yet been determined. And Brian Windhorst reported: "When the Pelicans traded for CJ McCollum by the deadline, they knew there was a good chance that Zion would not be able to play, and that they might even be reimbursed for the season. ”
Practical Jun specifically checked it, the same are all champions, Auden played 82 games in the first three seasons of his career, and played 85 games in the first three seasons of fat tiger career, and the two players can be said to be almost the same. Zion's talent is full, which can also be seen from the statistics: in the 2019-20 season, Zion played in 24 games, averaging 22.5 points, 6.2 boards and 2.1 assists per game, shooting 58% from the field. In the 2020-21 season, Zion played in 61 regular season games, averaging 27 points, 7.2 boards and 3.7 assists per game, shooting 61% from the field and being named an All-Star.
Although not a single game has been played this season, Zion is still willing to renew his contract with the team. One reason is because of the contract, which, according to NBA reporter Anthony Puccio, qualified for a five-year, $181 million early renewal contract this summer. For the Pelicans, if they choose to renew their contracts, they will have to give a big contract; if they don't renew, Zion's rookie contract expires next year, and Zion will become a restricted free agent in the summer of 2023.
Zion played fewer games, and in addition to injuries, another reason was indiscretion. Some media broke the news that Zion weighed more than 330 pounds, close to 300 pounds, heavier than O'Neal during the magic period. According to sources, Zion still likes to eat a whole pizza with a high-sugar drink. Can't keep his mouth shut, can't open his legs, under such a weight, his ankles and knees are very stressful, and the frequency of injuries is very high.
Another reason is that the Pelicans' roster is stronger than before. The Pelicans had previously traded to get CJ McCollum from the Trail Blazers. Team manager Griffin had a conversation with Zion before the CJ deal was struck, and Zion himself showed a very positive reaction to CJ's addition. CJ said in an interview with the media that Zion has taken the initiative to contact him and the two have exchanged views. Talk to him later this week or next week and the team welcomes him with open arms when he's back to health.
Curiously, though, Zion wasn't on the team. According to ESPN reporter Brian Windhorst, Zion left the team in early January to deal with injuries, and he is now estranged from the Pelicans. The reason was also revealed, pelican reporter Christian Clark reported that Zion left the team because he did not trust David Griffin, vice president of basketball operations, and did not have confidence in the Pelicans' medical team. Zion and the team, seem to be in a stalemate!
Within the Pelicans, only Willie Hernangomer has publicly expressed his support for Zion: "Going through ups and downs. We never let our brothers be alone..." Zion retweeted and captioned: "Brothers for life!" A lot of people are concerned about Zion's whereabouts, with former NBA star Barnes speculating: "Zion won't stay here [the Pelicans], and it's hard for the small-ball city to keep stars." "Practical Jun would like to ask everyone, do you think Zion Williamson will be traded by the team in the offseason?