Pelicans and Zion settled all family business at introductory press conference

The New Orleans Pelicans introduced Zion Williamson during a Friday media scrum. The first overall pick needs no introduction but did make himself clear. He is delighted to play in the Big Easy.

When the New Orleans Pelicans won the first overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft, reactions varied between angry and overjoyed. Everyone was shocked, however. The epicenter of the off-season trade market would also be the new home for Zion Williamson.

Alvin Gentry had a reaction that was hard to misinterpret. Likewise for David Griffin and the rest of the New Orleans Pelicans staff. However, there were several negative narratives presented by the national media. Many centered on a perceived “hit by a truck” response from Zion Williamson to the lottery results.

The Williamson camp played it coy until the introductory press conference. Neither Zion nor his trust circle responded to the noise on daily talk shows.

Zion Williamson, his stepfather Lee Anderson, and the New Orleans Pelicans family held an official introductory press conference that felt like a consolidation of efforts. Not that Zion needs to be introduced, in any city. Mostly everyone in New Orleans has become acquainted with Williamson in the past month. The excitement has been palpable for weeks.

Anderson recounted a conversation he had with Zion, weeks ago before the lottery. The topic concerned Zion’s prospects of playing in New Orleans. Anderson reiterated the feeling of being ‘thrilled’ to be a part of the Pelicans family.

Gayle Benson also described being “thrilled” in her opening statements.

Zion flew in on a visit, just to grab try Commander’s Palace friend shrimp. Now that he is officially drafted, he can make himself at home. A home he wanted even before the lottery. A home the locals welcomed him into gladly.

Zion told the media gathering he very much enjoyed the vibe of the city while he was here.

"“Just the family feel. Just walking around, people here are welcoming. They just told me, ‘You’re going to love the city. Everyone here is family.’ That’s the vibe I’ve been getting.”"

Yes, contrary to those initial reactions, Zion Williamson was hoping to land in New Orleans. The first question posed by the moderator asked for Zion’s reaction on the Fulton Street party. Zion definitely recognizes this is a city of passion. The interviewer even equated the atmosphere to a ‘We The South’ type movement, ala Toronto.

Zion brushed off the second-hand branding, saying it was just a short flight back home to South Carolina. His comfort level with the cultural region should ease his professional adjustments.

There are a couple of lawsuits to deal with, but no extraordinary changes are required from the budding star. Zion says he is in shape, ready for the demands of Alvin Gentry’s fast-paced style of play. However, the 82 game season test the toughness of the hardiest basketball souls.

The first question posed from the media contingent concerned the number of text messages Zion was getting, from old friends and new. Anyone who did not know Zion was the first overall pick, never had his number. The wave of phone messaging overload would have come on lottery night.

Still, Zion knows that as a professional he has to keep his circle tight. Again, this is especially important now that Williamson is part of two separate lawsuits. Never tell anyone outside of the family anything.

Williamson obeyed that rule, saying he would rather not tell the public what he and Frank Jackson discussed after the draft. Yes, Frank Jackson was the first Pelicans to reach out according to Zion.

Williamson said it “was very exciting” to be joining a team of young players, a young family that could grow together. Zion will have a big say in the future of the organization. On the court, is the future head of the family.