NBA Rumors: Pelicans Destined To Waste Young Star If Mismanagement Continues

Zion Williamson of the New Orleans Pelicans is undoubtedly a promising star in the NBA.

Although concerns about him trying to stay healthy are on the table, the 21-year-old has all the time in the world to make the necessary adjustments.

However, there have been NBA rumors about the top pick of the 2019 Draft moving out at some point. This hints at a potential NBA trade although that may not be the route of Williamson.

Some light was shed by Christian Clark of the Times-Picayune on the ramblings that have happened inside the Pelicans' camp.

In a nutshell, it appears the blame is being pinned on the team’s general manager, David Griffin.

Although Griffin has had success with the Cleveland Cavaliers, it appears his magic is not producing good results and relations within the Pelicans organization.

His ties with Williamson are reportedly not going on smoothly, and the 6-foot-7 phenom is far from happy.

A lot of that stemmed from Zion Williamson’s rookie year. This includes how things went when the North Carolina native was eased into action.

Such has also caused some tension between Williamson and the Pelicans’ medical staff.

The problems with Griffin appear to be compounding. That has allegedly led some employees to refer to him as “Griff Krause.” This was about Jerry Krause, the man who dismantled the Chicago Bulls after it won its third-straight title in 1997-98.

But going back to Williamson, a trade out of New Orleans is unlikely. The Duke University standout is eligible for an extension and is en route to a max deal thereafter.

CAA, the group that manages Williamson, is likely trying to map out something for their client.

All that should go up a notch, especially if the Pelicans come out with a disappointing 2021-22 season.

The Pelicans are the only team who can give Williamson the most money for now. He could forego that and join another team but with something lower.

Although Zion Williamson is a monster of a player, his injury history will factor in.

At a young age, all these are pretty tough to digest. But these are realities, problems that someone of his caliber needs to understand.

As far as a New Orleans exit, it may take several more years. But that won’t stop the NBA rumor mill from making exit claims.