The New Orleans Pelicans are in an awkward position with their franchise player, Zion Williamson.
Williamson has already established himself as a top player in this league, despite only playing two seasons.
To make it more impressive, he missed a majority of his rookie season.
In his first real full season, Williamson was dominant.
He made his first All-Star game with a potential of a lot more in his career.
His numbers were unreal.
Williamson averaged 27 points per game, while shooting 61% from the field.
This is what the Pelicans have, but they might lose it.
Unfortunately, it might be sooner than they think.
When star players have their rookie contracts expire; they usually re-sign for a big lump sum of money.
We just saw Luka Doncic and Trae Young get paid.
Next summer will be time for Williamson.
However, it might not be easy for the Pelicans to retain him.
His family already wants him to leave, as he is also showing signs of unhappiness.
The New Orleans Pelicans have been unable to put together the right elements to make Zion Williamson and his family happy, per @TheAthleticNBA
"Multiple sources have told The Athletic that certain family members want Williamson on another team." 😳 pic.twitter.com/6kfWYLqX4V
— NBA Central (@TheNBACentral) June 17, 2021
If Williamson leaves the Pelicans in a couple of years, it can ruin the entire franchise.
Can You Blame Him?
This is not a situation where a young guy is putting too much pressure on the organization.
The Pelicans are giving Williamson his third head coach in three years.
Outside of Brandon Ingram, no one on the team has any All-Star level appeal.
They downgraded at the point guard spot by letting go of Lonzo Ball for Devonte’ Graham.
Devonte’ Graham is a 36.4% career shooter.
His 37.7 FG% last season was the worst by any player with 650+ attempts.
As a comparison, his new teammate shot 61.1%. pic.twitter.com/TG7HI4fmZF
— StatMuse (@statmuse) August 3, 2021
He is losing trust with the organization by the minute it feels like.
When you think about the circumstances, you really can’t blame Williamson for thinking about a change of scenery this early on in his career.
The Pelicans are the ones sabotaging this window with a generational talent.
This era with Williamson as the main guy should at least last up to seven or eight years.
However, their moves can end up having them lose a superstar in the making after a rookie contract.
This is the Nail in the Pelicans Coffin
The craziest problem with this situation is that this is not the first time the Pelicans have had this issue.
This is not even their second in the last five years.
This organization has been able to garner up multiple franchise players over the last 15 years.
However, they have never made it pass the second-round.
Also, they lose that superstar player after several years of trying to make them happy.
Chris Paul was the first victim of this inept franchise.
Next, was Anthony Davis just a couple of years ago.
The latest victim is Williamson.
Chris Paul: asked to be traded
Anthony Davis: asked to be traded
Zion: rumored to be unhappy alreadyNew Orleans has been in the bottom 10 in attendance for the last decade. Stars don’t stay there. Maybe move the Pelicans to Seattle.
— Zach Schwartz (@zachzachzach) June 17, 2021
Losing Williamson should be the nail in the coffin for this franchise.
A potential move could be in the works if this ends abruptly.
As a franchise, the Pelicans have failed for over a decade.
They have been given chance after chance, but it leads to ultimate disappointment.
Players do not deserve an untrustworthy franchise.
Fans do not deserve an incompetent team to root for.
In two years, the Pelicans franchise can be permanently ruined.
NEXT: Zion Williamson Contract: What Would A Max Extension Look Like?