Nov 1, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (1) dunks the ball against the Indiana Pacers during the first half at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images Stephen Lew-Imagn Images

NBA Fans React to Controversial Zion Williamson News

Originally posted on New Orleans Pelicans on SI
By Farbod Esnaashari | Last updated Jan 11, 2025 12:50 PM ET

When the New Orleans Pelicans placed their future upon Zion Williamson's shoulders in 2019, the future seemed immensely bright. Unfortunately, since then, Williamson has been a major bust for the team, and this current season has arguably been his most frustrating.

Yesterday, the New Orleans Pelicans announced that Zion Williamson would be suspended for one game due to being late for multiple practices, on top of being late for the team's flight to Philadelphia against the 76ers.

Pelicans have suspended forward Zion Williamson for one game for a violation of team policies, announced today by Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations David Griffin.

Zion will miss tonight’s game against the Philadelphia 76ers and will rejoin the team tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/zP5Q6GMUQr
— New Orleans Pelicans (@PelicansNBA) January 10, 2025

Needless to say, Pelicans fans who were already disappointed in Zion, have become even more disappointed.

Via @losing_bettor: "Glad he getting some much needed rest after playing 1 game in the past 2 months"

Glad he getting some much needed rest after playing 1 game in the past 2 months
— sam (@losing_bettor) January 10, 2025

Some critics have mentioned that Zion's behavior has been a very big red flag and makes it hard to take him seriously.

Via @Sam_Vecenie: "Yeah just like, totally unacceptable stuff. Gotta hit the baseline tasks and be responsible, especially if that’s been a point of emphasis in the past."

Yeah just like, totally unacceptable stuff. Gotta hit the baseline tasks and be responsible, especially if that’s been a point of emphasis in the past. https://t.co/rLRZSPj4v7
— Sam Vecenie (@Sam_Vecenie) January 10, 2025

Overall, it seems like Zion's behavior has made him lose a huge portion of his fanbase around the world. Many fans who once cheered for him now believe he no longer cares about taking his job seriously.

Via @4thand26pod: "Good for him making it to league and getting paid, but man it be cool if he cared about his job at all, he could have been a great NBA player if he wanted to"

Good for him making it to league and getting paid, but man it be cool if he cared about his job at all, he could have been a great NBA player if he wanted to
— MCP BETS (@4thand26pod) January 10, 2025

Many others believe that Zion's current behavior is a pathway toward getting him traded, especially with the Pelicans on the verge of being on a firesale.

The NBA trade deadline is less than a month away, so only time will tell what New Orleans does with its frustrating superstar.

This article first appeared on New Orleans Pelicans on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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