CJ McCollum is leaving no room for interpretation: there’s no beef between him and Zion Williamson.
McCollum inadvertently made waves after getting traded to the New Orleans Pelicans when he admitted over the All-Star break that he hadn’t been in contact with Williamson. That sparked debate on if Williamson was, for one, a good teammate, but also if he had eyes for another team.
Regardless, Williamson hasn’t played at all this season due to injuries, so he hasn’t been around the Pelicans like he would if he was healthy and playing.
McCollum on Friday emphasized on his podcast, “Pull Up with CJ McCollum” that he and Williamson have talked and are on good terms.
“Obviously, there have been a lot of comments about me and Zion over the past couple weeks. I was asked if I had been in contact with him, if I had talked with him during the All-Star break, and I think the media took it and ran with it,” McCollum said. “But I want to clarify that young fella is progressing, according to reports, and I think the media blew that whole situation out of proportion. I wasn’t aware that it was going to go to those measures, I was literally just telling the truth when they asked me if we had spoken. We hadn’t at the time, but obviously we since have spoken.
“I didn’t really read much into it because I think it’s important that Zion focuses on his rehab, I think he knows he’s loved, he’s needed, he’s wanted here in New Orleans. I think for him, it’s just about getting himself healthy, kind of overcoming some of the obstacles that have been in front of him and I think he’s working towards that. As a younger player in the league, and as a guy who has been a younger player in this league, I think a lot of times you have to focus on yourself and figure yourself out first. And I think he’s going through that process now of tightening things up so he can come back the best version of himself and come help take us to the next level, and I think that’s exactly what he’s going to do.
“I think based on his talent, his skillset and what he’s able to accomplish on the court, his presence on the floor, all those things will help impact us in a positive light going forward.”
The Pelicans currently own the 10th seed in the Western Conference, and Williamson, though his foot is progressing, remains out indefinitely. When he comes back and gets to share the floor with McCollum, the Pelicans have the potential to be a sneaky dangerous team. Until then, they’re in a tight race for a play-in tournament spot.
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