ZION MAKES IT CLEAR HE’S STAYING AS A PELICAN
Zion Williamson is putting last season behind him and focusing on remaining with the New Orleans Pelicans.
Williamson missed the entire 2021-22 season due to a broken right foot, and speculation persisted that he might prefer to play elsewhere.
But while speaking to reporters at a local YMCA basketball camp he was holding, Williamson was all-in on playing for the Pelicans.
“I do want to be here. That’s no secret. I feel like I’ve stood on that when I spoke,” Williamson said on Saturday. “Currently, this does not really have anything to do with that. This is just me wanting be a pillar in my commuto nity.”
Williamson, who turns 22 in July, was cleared physifully cally by the team on
May 26 and has been working out in New Orleans with some of his teammates.
“It was a long for me on reyear hab and mental battles,” Williamson said. “I’m fine now. I’m ready to get to work.”
Since being the No. 1 pick of the 2019 NBA Draft, Williamson has played just 85 games (all starts) for the Pelicans. He missed the first three months of the 2019-20 season due to a knee injury.
Williamson was an AllStar in the 2020-21 season, when he averaged 27.0 points and 7.2 rebounds per game in 61 contests. He has career averages of 25.7 points, 7.0 rebounds and 3.2 assists.
Williamson could be in line for a five-year, $186 million extension from the Pelicans. Speculation has New Orleans seeking protections in the deal due to Williamson’s injury history. for getting an extenAs sion, Williamson smiled and said, “You have to ask the Pels, baby.”
Williamson is slated to make $13.5 million in salary next seabase
son.