KEY POINTS

  • CJ McCollum has provided an update on his Pelicans teammate Zion Williamson
  • McCollum wants the media to do Williamson a favor while in rehab
  • The former no. 1 pick has not played a single game this season due to injury

Zion Williamson is being backed by his new New Orleans Pelicans co-star amid drama surrounding his absence from the team.

During the All-Star break last weekend, Pelicans newcomer CJ McCollum confessed that he hasn't had a conversation with Williamson yet since he was traded to New Orleans. However, he assured the media that he’ll do his best to know what’s going on with the All-Star forward and “get to the bottom of it.”

The 30-year-old kept his word and provided an update about Williamson on Thursday. In an interview with Nola.com, McCollum confirmed that he and Williamson have already spoken and that he will “catch up with him” again later this week. More importantly, he is urging the media to let the former no. 1 pick focus on just getting better in rehab.

“Leave the young fella alone, man,” McCollum said of Williamson’s status. “He’s trying to rehab in peace. Trying to get himself ready to come back. We spoke, and I’ll speak to him later this week or next and just catch up with him.”

"He’s a very talented player,” he added. “He’s going through a lot. You guys are putting him on the spot on the daily. I think he’s just trying to recover on his own time and focus on his rehab. I know what it’s like [to be injured]. You feel disconnected. You feel away. It’s tough mentally and psychically. I know it’s frustrating.”

In an earlier report, Pelicans vice president of basketball operations David Griffin said the team cannot confirm anything about Williamson’s return. However, they were hoping to “have a better update" on his injury and recovery in the following weeks.

Griffin also revealed that Pelicans general manager Trajan Langdon had already met with Williamson, and the pair had a private conversation.

Zion Williamson
Zion Williamson #1 of the New Orleans Pelicans speaks with David Griffin executive vice president of basketball operations for the New Orleans Pelicans Getty Images | Sean Gardner

Williamson, on the other hand, has been silent about his situation the entire time. The only thing he has guaranteed so far is his commitment to return in his best form.

"As you can imagine, this has been a very difficult process for me," Williamson said in a previous statement. "I know there's work to be done in my recovery before I can safely return to the court, but I will continue to put in the time necessary so I can get back on the floor with my team and represent Pelicans fans and the city of New Orleans at the highest level.”

Overall, Williamson has played a total of 85 games since joining the Pelicans in 2019.

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