After the conclusion of the New Orleans Pelicans' 23-24 season, Zion Williamson had a conversation with David Griffin where what was said resonated with him and reinforced a shift in how their partnership has evolved over the past year.
“He told me he was really proud of me. He told me he trusts me,” Williamson relays. “He fully trusts me. There weren’t any more small doubts.”
Williamson's name surfaced in trade rumors as the Pelicans sought to move up in the 2023 draft to select Scoot Henderson. Williamson was never included in any formal trade talks, but the presence of his name in rumors indicated some of the tension that had grown between player and franchise. Williamson had realized over the past year that he needed to earn the trust of the Pelicans by making details both big and small a big priority.
“I want to be one of them ones. I’ve been talking about it and I’ve been making mistakes (along the way),” Williamson said. “That stuff can’t happen. It’s time to take every game personal.”
Williamson has had a committed workout regiment this offseason where he begins at 6 AM five days a week and then follows it up with a 9 PM workout.
“I’m out for straight vengeance,” Williamson said. “Not against any particular person. Just for myself.”
