Stephen A Smith: Zion Williamson Doesn’t Want To Be In New Orleans

In a recent episode of First Take, ESPN personality Stephen A. Smith discussed Zion Williamson’s one-game suspension from the New Orleans Pelicans. Williamson was suspended for a violation of team rules, which was later reported to be chronic lateness, including for a team flight.

According to Smith, this stems from the fact that Williamson no longer wishes to play in New Orleans.

“Zion doesn’t want to be in New Orleans, he doesn’t want to be there,” Smith said. “He wants to be in a major market like LA, New York, or whatever, because he wants the marketability.”

Smith went on to say that it’s unclear if Williamson cares enough to be a professional. He then reiterated that Williamson doesn’t want to continue to play for the Pelicans.

“You look at Zion Williamson right now, it’s becoming a joke,” Smith said. “You know that this brother has got superstar written all over him as a talent, but he doesn’t appear to care enough about being a professional and he certainly, I don’t believe, wants to be in New Orleans. I think he wants out, I think that’s what this is all about and I think he’d rather be someplace else. But why should anybody want him if this is what you’re going to get?”