If Joel Embiid makes the headlines with injury troubles all over the place, Zion Williamson edges closer to the front-page headlines on most days. He’s been hooping well recently. Yet, it’s not been a smooth ride for the Duke University icon. His dedication, discipline, and drive have all come into question. But one of Zion’s coaches who’s watched him go through it all has a unique take on this conundrum.
Earlier this year, Zion Williamson found himself in trouble with the Pelicans. The club suspended him for a “violation of team policies.” It happened after he arrived late for a team flight. The team’s departure was delayed because of this. But he’s kept his nose clean ever since. And Pelicans assistant coach, Corey Brewer, believes this is just Zion “growing up.”
“He was a kid. He had to grow up for sure, he’s growing up, he’s figuring out what it takes to be a pro and that’s everybody. I feel like they wanted him to be something so quick it was a little tough on a kid…” And yes, in some instances, Zion looks like a lion ready to unleash himself on the court. When he’s on song, no one possesses a unique skillset like he does.
“I think he’s learned he been [in the league] long enough now. He knows, ‘This is what I have to do. I’m taking care of my body. I’m doing the right things.’ And he wants to be great, so he’s gonna be great,” said Cory Brewer about Zion’s growth on the OGs podcast.
And as someone who knows Zion better than most, we can’t argue that Zion is well on his way to cleaning up his act.
Jan 7, 2025; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (1) blocks the shot of Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert (27) during the first half at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Hinton-Imagn Images
Zion has come a long way in this short time. He’s now shed weight, avoided trouble with the Pelicans, and, more importantly, is playing great basketball. Despite the Pelicans’ mediocre form, Zion is once again cementing himself as one of the best players in the league. Did you know he recently became the fastest to record 5,000 points in the NBA behind LeBron James and Luka Doncic?
The Lakers duo are among the best players in the world. And Zion has proved that he’s right up there with them!
However, despite this recent turnaround, his prior devil-may-care attitude has cost him a massive windfall. So let’s switch gears and find out what that is.
Zion Williamson’s finances may take a significant hit!
Do you remember the massive $197 million contract extension Zion signed with the New Orleans Pelicans? Well, that deal kept him at the Pelicans for another 5 years. It was a big deal – for both the player and club. The deal showed that even smaller teams could keep superstars on their roster.
However, with Williamson’s injury history, the Pelicans ensured safeguards based on his health and conditioning. And they were proven right last year when Zion only played 29 games, last year, triggering one of those clauses.
What was the clause, you ask? Well, it required the Pelicans to void the guarantee on the final three years of Zion’s $197 million deal if he missed more than 22 games in a season. So, if the Pelicans want, they waive Zion once this season concludes. And they can do it without paying out the remainder of his contract!
Jan 7, 2025; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (1) dribbles around Minnesota Timberwolves forward Julius Randle (30) during the first half at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Hinton-Imagn Images
But it’s not over for Zion yet! The Pelicans were gracious in protecting themselves. The 24-year-old can still earn those guarantees back. All he has to do is play enough games and keep his weight below a certain limit. He’s already proven one of those things. Zion’s weight is the lowest of his NBA career so far! So it’s not a stretch to imagine that Zion fixes things.
It won’t be easy, though. Now that Zion is straightening out, he’ll have a target on his back like never before. But the prospect of losing such a massive payday will also motivate him like never before.
Only time will tell what befalls Zion Williamson. And we’ll be right here to recount the tale!
The post Pelicans Coach Sheds Light on Effects of Zion Williamson’s Bad Habits Putting $197 Million Payday in Jeopardy appeared first on EssentiallySports.