Pelicans: How Zion Williamson comes into training camp will say a lot

The New Orleans Pelicans and Zion Williamson have been in the headlines for all of the wrong reasons lately.

Instead of talking about training camp and expectations for the season, the latest chapter in the Pelicans’ dysfunction has us already speculating about his imminent departure.

With reports coming out that the relationship between Zion Williamson and David Griffin is strained, it seems like we are in a “here we go again” situation that harkens back to the Anthony Davis days of wondering not if, but when our superstar player is going to force his way out.

But I try not to put too much stock in this kind of drama, as words get taken out of context and more meaning is applied to them than is warranted.

Zion has been quiet on all of these issues himself, which is part of the reason media is able to speculate so wildly.

When it comes to Zion Williamson, his actions are far more important than other people’s words.

New Orleans Pelicans: Zion Williamson’s shape in training camp will tell us everything

The Pelicans have already had some team “mini-camps” that Zion was reportedly not a part of. While it would have been nice to see the star bonding with his teammates this offseason, you can’t read too much into this.

We are in the middle of pandemic and some players are obviously going to be more cautious and I can’t blame them. I’m also certain that Zion isn’t just sitting around eating donuts this offseason, but we won’t know until training camp starts.

If Zion Williamson is serious about being a superstar in this league and leading his team to the playoffs, then he will show up to training camp in shape and ready to lead.

Zion has been in and out of shape in his time with the Pelicans, and if he shows up overweight and not ready to go, it will be a sign that his heart is not in New Orleans as people have speculated.

I don’t think that is going to be the case and once basketball is being played again, most of this speculation and rumor will end.

But if there is word that he is out of shape, you can bet the rumors are going to start to fly, which is not what the Pelicans or fans want.