The New Orleans Pelicans are making a push towards the Western Conference play-in tournament despite the absence of their star Zion Williamson who has was supposed to be ready for the start of the season but has suffered numerous setbacks. During a segment on ESPN's First Take Tuesday, former Pelican JJ Redick had a firey take aimed at the Pels injured star for his lack of communication between himself, the franchise, and CJ McCollum.
During All-Star weekend, McCollum was asked by the TNT crew if there have been any interactions between himself and Zion following his trade from Portland, revealing that the former No. 1 pick has yet to reach out and welcome him to NOLA.
Redick, who was a teammate of Zion's during his first two years in New Orleans was infuriated by Williamson's lack of communication with the newly acquired McCollum and called him out for being a 'detached' teammate and for 'completely disrespecting the franchise.'
"This just shows a complete lack of investment in your team, in the organization, in the city," Redick said. "I get that he’s hurt away from the team, but the Pelicans just traded for one of the top 50 players in the league, a guy that’s supposed to be paired with you…reach out and say hello. This is a pattern of behavior we’re seeing with Zion that we’re seeing again and again, look, I was his teammate, I can describe him as a detached teammate, that is an accurate statement. This is just basic code of being a teammate, send a text to a guy when he gets traded to your team.”
Redick seems to have a point. If you want the responsibilities of being the face of a franchise and the leader of men, it should be a customary practice for you to welcome your new running mate into town whether you are on the court or injured.
Even though there is no sign on when or if Zion will return this season, he needs to set a better example if he plans on becoming a leader in this league.
While we wait and see if Zion decides to reach out to McCollum, the Pels sit at 23-36 following the All-Star break which puts them at 12th in the Western Conference with only 34 games left in the season. They are two games back from the Blazers who hold the last spot for the play-in tournament.
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