Henry Roldán
Zion Williamson has not only started training with everything for the 2022-2023 NBA season, but also reaffirmed his desire to stay with the New Orleans Pelicans for many more years.
In an activity held in New Orleans, on the occasion of the inauguration of his camp for young people who want to learn to play basketball, the forward was asked about his future in the organization that took him as the first overall pick in the 2019 Draft.
I do want to be here. That’s no a secret. I feel like I’ve stood on that when I spoke. This [the camp] has nothing to do with it. It’s just me wanting to be a pillar in my community.
Zion Williamson on his desire to stay with the Pelicans.
After fracturing his right foot prior to last season, Williamson missed the entire regular round and, as he was cleared by the New Orleans coaching staff to train, the star player is expected to sign a multimillion-dollar deal in the coming months with the organization.
The 21-year-old is eligible to sign a five-year, $182 million maximum contract, a deal that both Pelicans management and the player himself appear willing to seal.
Although the executive vice president of the team, David Griffin, confessed in The Ringer that they are looking for the best way to take care of their backs, due to Williamson’s constant injuries, he added that it is an easy decision to reach a maximum agreement with him and that would tie him to the organization for a good time.
Zion Williamson Excited by the Success of the Pelicans This Season
In addition to the love and affection that Zion Williamson says he feels for the city and the organization of New Orleans, the young star added that one of the main reasons why he wants to stay is because of the promising future of the team.
Pels in the first round. That’s all I needed to see to really be excited to get back out there. it was exciting to see young players. Jose [Alvarado], Trey [Murphy III], Herb [Jones], Jaxson [Hayes]. Just blossoming into players I knew they could be and they knew they could be. Then watching [Brandon Ingram]. The name speaks for itself. Then CJ [McCollum] being added, it was something to watch. The fans made it so much better.
Zion Williamson to ESPN’s Andrew López.
Williamson debuted in 2019 and despite playing only 24 games due to injury, he ended up being selected as an NBA All-Rookie. The following year he played 61 games and was elected to his first All-Star Game on the circuit.
