MY ACCOUNT
Zion Williamson’s failure to welcome CJ McCollum to the New Orleans Pelicans added to a “pattern of behaviour” that shows the former first overall pick to be “a detached team-mate”.
That is the view of JJ Redick, a former Pelicans team-mate.
Injuries have limited Williamson to just 85 games in the NBA since he was drafted in 2019, meaning the discussion around the forward has instead centred on his commitment to the Pelicans.
The team have made moves to try to build a competitive team in the absence of a potential superstar, who averages 25.7 points for his career.
But McCollum, the latest recruit from the Portland Trail Blazers, said at the weekend he was yet to speak with Williamson directly.
And Redick, speaking on Tuesday, was able to offer an insight into life alongside the 21-year-old, whose status remains unclear as he waits to play his first game this season following a foot injury.
“This just shows a complete lack of investment in your team, in the organisation, in the city,” Redick told First Take.
“I get that he’s hurt and away from the team, but you just traded for one of the 50 best players in the league – a guy that’s supposed to be paired with you. Reach out and say, ‘hello’.
“This is a pattern of behaviour with Zion that we are seeing again and again. I was his team-mate; I can describe him as a detached team-mate – that is an accurate statement.”
Redick, who joined the Pelicans at the same time as Williamson and left in March 2021, said: “Yes, he’s been amazing when he’s been on the court – 100 per cent.
“He’s amazing to watch. There’s no one that can do what he does on a basketball court.
“But as a team-mate, there is a pattern of behaviour; as a fully invested individual in New Orleans, there’s a pattern of behaviour. This is worrisome.”
