Stephen A. Smith Says Pelicans Star Wants To Leave The Team

The New Orleans Pelicans and Zion Williamson continue to make the news for all the wrong reasons.

The former No. 1 pick was recently suspended for breaking the team’s rules before the game vs. the Philadelphia 76ers.

Considering how badly the team has fared and how much they needed him on the court for that game, that was an indictment of how much the team may have tolerated from him in the past.

Notably, that’s why Stephen A. Smith believes Williamson doesn’t want any part of the organization.

Talking on ESPN’s “First Take,” Smith argued that Williamson wanted to play for a big-market team because of the marketability (via NBA Central):

“Zion doesn’t want to be in New Orleans, he doesn’t want to be there. He wants to be in a major market like L.A., New York, or whatever, because he wants the marketability.” he said.

Stephen A. Smith says that Zion Williamson wants to leave New Orleans

“Zion doesn’t want to be in New Orleans, he doesn’t want to be there. He wants to be in a major market like L.A., New York, or whatever, because he wants the marketability.”

(Via @FirstTake ) pic.twitter.com/ovCeK7e7d4

— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) January 14, 2025

Of course, that makes plenty of sense, but he will never be marketable if he’s not actually on the floor.

Since he entered the league, there have been multiple worrisome reports about Williamson’s drive, work ethic, character, and eating habits.

We’ve seen him struggle with his weight year in and year out, seemingly falling out of shape after every injury.

He also struggles to get back on the court and usually needs way more time than the average player to return from minor ailments.

Williamson has been away from the team while nursing injuries multiple times.

That’s not going to do him many favors in the trade market, not even if his plan all along has been to force his way out of the Big Easy.

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