In the N.O. breaks down recent Zion news. One thing they talk about which had me very confused, and many fans angry, was Shams stating that Zion was going be out for more than 4-6 weeks when the Pelicans said he was out indefinitely. 6 weeks puts Zion out until Christmas, and Zion hinted that the team would be "whole" by the beginning of January. That wouldn't put him out much longer than 6 weeks so I find the comments by Shams interesting.
This whole Zion saga is a perfect encapsulation of his tenure in New Orleans. It usually follows this pattern.
Zion gets hurt/Zion plays like shit and is out of shape
Media commenting on Zion being hurt and or out of shape.
Weird video comes out (him dunking with foot fracture bending the gym floor, Moriah Mills psychotic harassment, pregnancy announcement, new back tattoo while looking out of shape..)
Speculation that Zion wants to be in NY (a weirdly consistent narrative for the last 6 years) by zero credible sources.
Zion returns and plays himself into shape. Zion then proceeds to dominate.
Zion gets hurt.
4 comments
I think you hit the cycle correctly. For the changing of agents it will depend on what happens when he signs with his new agent. If the main reason was CAA not pushing hard enough for a trade to NY and frustration that his contract is now non-guaranteed and they Zion didn’t understand this could happen it really is on Zion and his inner circle. CAA repped Embid and Embid had similar injury clauses in his contract and he was explained what it ment before he signed.
If Zion signs with a new agent and it is leaked they are asking for a trade then we trade him and wash our hands.
Zion is extension eligible after next season I believe and I am guessing he and or his inner circle want his deal fully guaranteed and don’t want this hanging over Zions head. I am not sure if any of his endorsement contracts are ending soon which would be another reason to change agents now
Zion New York rumors have always been weird to me. Why there of all places? Why is he seemingly so insistent of playing there? Why not even LA or Chicago?
Why have these rumors followed him for years and if they’re true why has he allowed his unwillingness to play in Nola seriously hurt his own career?!
Maybe Z is upset with his endorsements. I’m leaning towards his Jordan Brand deal being an issue. He hasn’t had an sig release & his contract should he in its last year. I highly doubt JB keeps making him signature shoes & apparel. That’s a good few million lost if he’s just signed to a regular deal. JB also brought in Banchero who is lowkey better than Zion & has been healthier so far. He’s also led his team to the playoffs. I wonder if he’s considering Klutch.
Who cares anymore? I gave him the benefit of the doubt. He doesn’t want to be great. He’s not willing to put in the work for the pelicans. Maybe he’ll do it in New York.