An explosive rumor that presumptive 1st pick in the NBA Draft, Zion Williamson, would refuse to play in New Orleans had some cold water thrown on it by the Duke legend’s stepfather in an interview this morning with ESPN Baton Rouge.
Lee Anderson, Zion’s stepfather, told Off The Bench Hosts that his son is looking forward to his upcoming pro career.
“Certainly, you know, we are exited about the Crescent City down there, New Orleans, and you said about returning to Duke (talking to the hosts), there’s been a lot of speculation, but that is not something that we have even considered.”
Reports circulated that Williamson would have preferred New York or Atlanta, and cameras caught the prospects less than enthusiastic reaction seeing New Orleans win the first pick.
Bourbon Street Shots writer Jesse Brooks says outburst of rumors can likely be attributed to salty fans and media personalities and added that kind of action would be out of character for Zion.
“A lot of people in those big markets like New York and LA aren’t happy about it, so they’re taking their shots where they can. It’s frustrating, but it’s also kind of ridiculous and does not make sense.”
Brooks says there’s “no way” Zion refuses to play for the Pels given his personality, the injury risks, the amount of money he’d leave on the table, and…
“We’re talking about odds here. He could sit out another season, and the Pelicans could be terrible again, and still get the number one pick again the next year.”
The theory proposed that Williamson could return to Duke or sit out for a year and try his luck again next year in the draft, but those same stories out of the big markets did not add that if the Pelicans draft Williamson 1st overall, they will retain his draft rights for three years, even if the player decided to return to college or go overseas.
