JJ Redick Says Pelicans Fans Should be Worried About Zion Williamson: "He Has To Be In Better Shape..."

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As the number one pick in the 2020 NBA Draft, no player has been as hyped-up as Zion Williamson over the past three years.

During his tenure at Duke, he was an absolute monster, using brute force, strength, and natural talent to make quick work of his opponents.

Unfortunately, he hasn't yet shown that same fire at the NBA level, and many are wondering if he's even star material at all.

On the subject of Zion and his future, former Pelicans guard JJ Redick (who is now an ESPN analyst) was asked if NOLA fans should be worried about Williamson potentially leaving the team.

Instead, Redick suggested something else to worry about:

(per Ian Begley)

New ESPN analyst JJ Redick was asked on conference call: if a Pelicans fan asked you: should I be worried about Zion Williamson staying w/Pelicans long-term, what would you say? Redick - host of @OldManAndThree show - said NOP should be worried, generally, about Zion’s health:

"Of course I would be worried just in general about Zion, given his injury history. There's certainly a lot more at play here than whether he ends up leaving the Pelicans in 5 years or 4 years or whatever it is.

Zion has to be in better shape. That's not a secret. And he's got to get healthy. And I think if Zion's out on the court with Brandon (Ingram) and the young nucleus they have, there's a lot to be excited about if I was a Pelicans fan."

Certainly, there is reason to believe that Zion is a guy who can lead the Pelicans to a prosperous future

From what we've seen so far, he's a capable leader and ultra-talented player. But if he is unable to stay healthy and in good condition (like reports have suggested), it could spell disaster for both him and his team.

Since draft day, he's only played a total of 85 games for the Pelicans.