Former New Orleans Pelicans guard J.J. Redick has criticized former teammate Zion Williamson, saying the star forward has a “lack of investment” in the franchise.
“There’s a responsibility that you have as an athlete when you play a team sport to be fully invested,” Redick said. “You’re fully invested in your body, you’re fully invested in your work, and you’re fully invested in your teammates. That is your responsibility, and we have not seen that from Zion.”
Redick and Williamson were teammates with the Pelicans for parts of the last two seasons prior to the former’s retirement. Redick then joined ESPN as an NBA analyst before this season.
The 37-year-old Redick said he sounded the Williamson alarm while he was still in New Orleans.
“This is something I addressed with Zion in front of the team,” Redick said. “This is going back to his rookie year.”
Williamson’s alleged shortcomings as a teammate were on full display during last weekend’s All-Star Game festivities when new Pelicans guard C.J. McCollum said he hadn’t communicated with Williamson since his trade at the trade deadline.
“I haven’t had conversations with him directly,” McCollum said on Saturday. “I’ve spoken with some people close to him and look forward to sitting down with him sooner than later. I know about as much as you do right now, but I’m going to get to the bottom of it.”
McCollum said on Tuesday that he has since talked to Williamson, but Redick believes it’s part of a “pattern of behavior.”
“This just shows a complete lack of investment in your team, in the organization, in the city,” Redick said. “I get that he’s hurt and away from the team, but you just traded for one of the 50 best players in the league—a guy that’s supposed to be paired with you. Reach out and say, ‘Hello.’
“This is a pattern of behavior with Zion that we are seeing again and again. I was his teammate; I can describe him as a detached teammate. That is an accurate statement.”
Williamson hasn’t played this season due to a fracture in his right foot that required surgery over the summer. He was expected back prior to this season, but his return has been delayed multiple times.
Reports say he’s working out in Portland, Ore., with permission from the team. He averaged 27 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 3.7 assists across 61 games last season.
“Yes, he’s been amazing when he’s been on the court, 100%. He’s amazing to watch,” Redick said. “There’s no one that can do what he does on a basketball court … But as a teammate, there is a pattern of behavior, as a fully invested individual in New Orleans, there’s a pattern of behavior. This is worrisome.”
