Zion Williamson did not play a single game for the New Orleans Pelicans this season, now the forward could extend in theory. The youngster is open to this, Boss David Griffin is covered.
“Of course. I would sign immediately,” said Williamson at his first press conference since Media Day in September 2021 on the question of whether he would sign an early contract extension in the summer with the Pelicans if it was offered to him.
The 21-year-old missed the entire season because of a complicated foot injury and suffered several setbacks. Zion himself spoke of a “hard year”, since Draft 2019 the Forward has only played 85 games for the Pelicans. Now Williamson has already been qualified for a rookie extension from July 1st, New Orleans could offer a five -year contract for $ 181 million.
Even without Williamson, the Pelicans reached the playoffs through the Play-in tournament this season, where the pels demanded everything from the Phoenix Sun, but ultimately defeated 2-4. Zion saw this with mixed feelings: “If I am honest, it was not nice to see it all from outside. I want to play and I saw the potential. We have a lot of good players and I want to share it with the boys. “
However, since Williamson missed almost two thirds of all possible games, it is by no means secure that New Orleans offers a maximum contract. Pelicans boss David Griffin also chose at least cautious words on this topic and spoke of a “challenge”. At the moment, the focus is much more on getting the franchise star fit again.
Articles and videos on the topic
* Experience the NBA live on DAZN. Register now! Can be canceled at any time.
The all-star from 2020 was the first pick in the draft a year earlier, even before Grizzlies star yes Morant. On average, Williamson put 25.7 points, 7.0 rebounds and 3.2 assists from the field for the Pelicans, 7.0 rebounds and 3.2 assists at a throw rate of 60.4 percent.