JJ Redick is not impressed with Zion Williamson’s brief tenure in New Orleans. After the Pelicans traded for him and he was given a $500 million extension, JJ suggested that he didn’t know what NBA life was like on social media: “I don’t think Z-Bo knows how to do it.” He also added an insult about his first year of playing basketball and even said that the rookie’s game resembles Michael Jordan.
The “jj redick height” is a player who has been in the NBA for over 10 years and is now with the Philadelphia 76ers. He recently blasted his former teammate Zion Williamson for being detached from the Pelicans.
CJ McCollum of the New Orleans Pelicans was in Cleveland for All-Star Weekend. In the Three-Point Shootout, the 30-year-old guard represented the squad he’d been with for less than two weeks. When McCollum revealed he hadn’t spoken to supposed franchise player Zion Williamson, he startled the NBA world. JJ Redick, on the other hand, ramped up the heat on Williamson during a broadcast appearance.
For portions of two seasons in New Orleans, Redick and Williamson were teammates. They also come from a long tradition of Duke University basketball players who have gone on to play in the NBA.
Blue Devil-on-the-Run On February 22, no one anticipated the Blue Devils to commit a crime. However, here we are.
After the interview, Zion Williamson reached out to his new teammate.
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According to a tweet from ESPN’s Malika Andrews, Zion Williamson spoke to McCollum over All-Star Weekend.
After telling TNT’s NBA Tip-Off crew on Feb. 19 that he had yet to speak with the Pelicans’ young star, that chat took occurred.
Per Christian Clark of NOLA.com via Twitter, McCollum said, “I know about as much as you do right now. But I’m going to get to the bottom of it.”
It had been 11 days since the eight-year veteran was traded from the Portland Trail Blazers to the New Orleans Pelicans. Given the high-profile nature of the addition, it’s hard to believe Williamson didn’t contact out sooner.
After fracturing a bone in his right foot over the summer, the top overall selection in the 2019 NBA Draft is yet to play this season. Williamson took a leave of absence from the club to seek treatment in Portland. Before the All-Star break, there were rumors that the 21-year-old All-Star might need another medical treatment to fix his foot.
But, according to JJ Redick, it’s not simply a recent phenomenon. Williamson, he maintains, has always been distant.
JJ Redick slammed the door on Zion Williamson.
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Longtime NBA guard JJ Redick couldn’t believe that the Pelicans’ star, Zion Williamson, hadn’t bothered to call McCollum, a respected veteran who is also the president of the National Basketball Players Association, during an interview on ESPN’s First Take.
Redick remarked, “This is something I handled with Zion in front of the squad.” “This dates back to his freshman year,… a pattern of Zion’s conduct that we’ve seen time and time again.” I was a teammate of his, and I can accurately characterize him as a distant comrade.”
Not every player takes the initiative and leads from the front. Redick, on the other hand, accused the rising star of breaking a key team rule.
“As an athlete, you have a duty to be totally involved when you play a team sport,” Redick said. “You put your whole heart and soul into your body, your job, and your colleagues.” That is your obligation, and we haven’t heard anything from Zion about it.”
Since the Pelicans chose Williamson to replace Anthony Davis as the franchise’s face, he has only appeared in 85 games in three seasons. He averaged 27.0 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game in his one healthy season in 2020–21, on route to his first All-Star selection.
Given that New Orleans is operating under a tight schedule in regards to its star, Redick’s message is concerning.
The Pelicans must make a major choice about their future.
During their time together with the New Orleans Pelicans, JJ Redick stated he spoke with Zion Williamson about his detached attitude to being a teammate. | Getty Images/Michael Reaves
Zion Williamson’s rookie deal is in its third year. That means he’ll be eligible for a rookie deal for up to $181 million over five years starting July 1.
Only two No. 1 overall choices have not had their rookie contracts extended since 2008. The Cleveland Cavaliers selected Anthony Bennett first overall in 2013, but he did not complete his rookie contract. Bennett was released by the Minnesota Timberwolves before the start of his third season after being traded following his rookie year.
Deandre Ayton of the Phoenix Suns was the other top choice that was passed over. The Suns were unable to strike an agreement with the player at the top of the 2018 draft before the clock ran out last autumn. The day before the player’s fourth NBA season starts is the deadline for rookie extensions.
In the absence of a contract extension, the Saints may keep Williamson by issuing a $17.6 million qualifying offer in 2023, making him a restricted free agent.
If they can’t persuade him to stay with the Pelicans, a trade is more plausible, either next summer or before the February 2023 deadline. The worst-case situation for NOLA is losing Williamson for nothing.
While Zion Williamson maintains he loves New Orleans and wants to stay there, his actions imply different. If there is a pattern of conduct, as JJ Redick believes, there will be some uncomfortable talks in the future for the Pelicans.
Basketball Reference provided the statistics. Spotrac provided contract details.
Zion Williamson’s Pelicans Career Is Coming to an End
Frequently Asked Questions
What did JJ Redick say about Zion Williamson?
A: JJ Redick, Zion Williamson
How long will Zion Williamson be injured?
A: Zion Williamson is expected to be out for about 6 weeks with a broken left foot.
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