It’s been a few weeks since the rumor swells: the Pelicans would be ready to give up Zion Williamson to recover Scoot Henderson in the Draft, this Thursday evening. Nothing ever seems confirmed, but the noise exists and floats in the air, especially after the departure of Teresa Weatherspoon, a close assistant to the player.
According to The Athletic, this scenario is highly unlikely, a few hours before the Draft. Because the leaders have never offered Williamson to Charlotte or Portland, owners of the second and third choice of the Draft.
However, there is obviously a trust to be repaired between the franchise and its All-Star. The numerous injuries and absences of Zion Williamson are the main problems, but not only.
The relationship between the player and Aaron Nelson, the physical trainer, was complicated, and from the start of their collaboration. From the star’s first season, which began in January 2020 after three months out with an injury, the Pelicans staff imposed minute restrictions which were very poorly accepted by Williamson. Since this first clash, the two men have accumulated conflicts.
A meeting with the owner of the franchise
So that, this season and during the long weeks he spent in the infirmary, Williamson would have explained that he wanted to work with other members of the staff rather than with Nelson. This is probably why the former Phoenix was dismissed during the offseason, especially since according to The Athletic, other players in the workforce were waiting for changes in this area.
Another sign that shows that the franchise wants to get closer to Williamson, despite the departure of Teresa Weatherspoon: David Griffin, vice-president of the Pelicans, met the player last week to discuss the offseason.
In the aftermath, Griffin provoked a meeting between the inside and Gayle Benson, the owner of the Pelicans. A positive meeting according to the indiscretions of our colleagues, during which the owner proposed to Williamson to have a more direct communication with him, if necessary.
| Zion Williamson | Percentage | Bounces | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season | Crew | GM | Minimum | Shots | 3 points | LF | Off | Def | Early | pd | party | Int | bp | CT | Points |
| 2019-20 | NOP | 24 | 28 | 58.3 | 42.9 | 64.0 | 2.7 | 3.6 | 6.3 | 2.1 | 1.8 | 0.7 | 2.5 | 0.4 | 22.5 |
| 2020-21 | NOP | 61 | 33 | 61.1 | 29.4 | 69.8 | 2.7 | 4.5 | 7.2 | 3.7 | 2.2 | 0.9 | 2.7 | 0.6 | 27.0 |
| 2022-23 | NOP | 29 | 33 | 60.8 | 36.8 | 71.4 | 2.0 | 5.0 | 7.0 | 4.6 | 2.2 | 1.1 | 3.4 | 0.6 | 26.0 |
| Total | 114 | 32 | 60.5 | 34.3 | 69.1 | 2.5 | 4.4 | 7.0 | 3.6 | 2.1 | 0.9 | 2.9 | 0.6 | 25.8 | |
How to read the stats? MJ = matches played; Min = Minutes; Shots = Shots made / Shots attempted; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; Off = offensive rebound; Def= defensive rebound; Tot = Total bounces; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost bullets; Ct: Counters; Points = Points.
