latest nba news NBA Analyst Claims Zion Williamson "Completely F**ked" Pelicans Organization Culture | Zion Injury Update

NBA Analyst Claims Zion Williamson "Completely F**ked" Pelicans Organization and Culture

Sportskeeda Staff | Updated November 20, 2024

Zion Williamson Pelicans hamstring injury update NBA 2024

Amid the New Orleans Pelicans' dismal start to the 2024-25 NBA season, former NBA champion Kendrick Perkins has unleashed a scathing critique of star forward Zion Williamson. Speaking on the "Road Trippin'" podcast with Richard Jefferson and Channing Frye, Perkins accused Williamson of derailing the franchise since his 2019 draft as the No. 1 overall pick.

Latest Update (November 20, 2024): Zion Williamson remains sidelined with a grade 1 left hamstring strain suffered on November 4. The Pelicans have not yet cleared him for return, despite earlier progress reports. New Orleans holds a 4-12 record, the worst in the Western Conference, and an eight-game losing streak. Recent coaching changes, including the firing of Willie Green, have failed to stem the tide.

Perkins highlighted Williamson's chronic injury issues, particularly recurring hamstring problems, as a major factor in the Pelicans' instability. The 24-year-old has missed over half of his possible games in six NBA seasons, playing just five contests this year before the injury.

Shoutout goes to Williamson's agent, Bill Duffy, whom Perkins credited for efforts to "clean up" the star's off-court issues. However, Perkins argued it's time for New Orleans to cut ties with their most talented player since Anthony Davis.

"This is less about Willie Green being fired and more about how Zion Williamson is a culture killer, an organization killer. Zion has completely f**ked this organization since they drafted him, top to bottom. You can't depend on him. You don't know what's going on. It's so many things you have to do. He had to clean up in certain areas," Perkins said.

Williamson was averaging elite numbers before the injury but couldn't lift the Pelicans out of early-season woes. The team went 0-5 with him on the floor and now faces uncertainty, including no ownership of their 2025 draft pick.

Zion Williamson's Pre-Injury Stats (2024-25 Season):

22.8 points per game
6.8 rebounds per game
4.6 assists per game
2.0 steals per game
48.7% field goal percentage

The Pelicans' 4-12 record reflects broader issues, including injuries to key players like Brandon Ingram (ankle). Perkins questioned Williamson's trade market, suggesting a waiver or outright move, given his rare athleticism— a blend of size, speed, and power—that may contribute to his fragility.

"He's not available, so what are you going to do with him? They could waive him, they could trade him. What is his trade market? I think they should move on from Zion. Every year we get excited."

As the Pelicans grapple with this crisis, fans and analysts alike wonder if Zion's return can salvage the season—or if Perkins' words signal the end of an era in New Orleans.