Pelicans: Winning will cure everything when it comes to Zion Williamson

Ever since the New Orleans Pelicans drafted Zion Williamson with the number one pick, the only thing on their minds has been keeping him.

Pels’ fans are like a jilted lover after losing previous superstar Anthony Davis, and are now just counting the ways the Pelicans have screwed things up and the days before Zion leaves too.

Every move has been made to appease Zion Williamson, whose camp leaked information that his family was not happy with the direction of the team in New Orleans.

The Pelicans have already made moves that they might not have if not for Zion Williamson, as they tried to bring in veterans Eric Bledsoe and Steven Adams last season in a misguided attempt to make the playoffs and keep Zion happy.

That didn’t work out, so Griffin shipped both to Memphis and gave up a draft pick to do so, all so he could bring in a player who was more “Zion-friendly” in Jonas Valanciunas.

They traded Zion’s friend Lonzo Ball to the Bulls, which couldn’t have made the big man happy, but replaced him with Devonte’ Graham who might ultimately be a better fit.

But will all these moves be enough to please Zion Williamson?

New Orleans Pelicans: Winning is all that matters when it comes to Zion Williamson

I think David Griffin has made some tactical errors over the last few seasons and often operates like a man without much of a plan.

He’s made some unpopular moves, blown a couple of draft picks and Pels’ fans are starting to wonder if he is going to be the thing that drives Zion Williamson away.

There is only one way to quiet all of this noise and that is by winning games and making the playoffs next season. Anything short of that and David Griffin is going to be looking for a new job, as he has not been great since orchestrating the Anthony Davis trade.

The Pels haven’t had the greatest offseason and have lost some “big name” players, but their team could ultimately be better and if it is, that is all that matters.

I actually like that Griffin got rid of Lonzo Ball, as it shows he is willing to make moves that might be unpopular with Zion but ultimately could make the team better.

But did that move make them better? Time will tell, but the New Orleans Pelicans had better start winning soon or the clock is ticking on David Griffin and ultimately Zion Williamson.