Ben Simmons wrote:jason bourne wrote:Smirk wrote:
This is deranged.
Sure, it's Sixer fan telling people what to do with overall #1 pick.
I didn't tell anyone what to do with the #1 pick....
I said what I think New Orleans will do if Zion makes it clear that he "would prefer not to play for New Orleans" (in those exact classy words).
Again I don't think Zion has the courage to say that to New Orleans front office anyway
But there is no chance that Zion would prefer to play for New Orleans over New York or other big markets.
Zion already said he would be happy with any team before the draft lotto. That said, what you are proposing is really stupid AF. He would be putting the start of his career in jeopardy. If I were the Pels, I would still take him and then Zion would have to hold out trying to force a trade. That won't be popular with the NBA and the league. He also would be going back on his word which he already said to a national audience. That won't be too popular with the shoe cos and other marketers.
Zion doesn't have that kind of leverage although he has more than other draftees in recent past. He isn't going to bring back what AD could. AD has the leverage to force a deal this year instead of just walking away. He already has the endorsement deals. He can give up a supermax deal. Zion already is going to get a shoe contract and endorsements based on his appeal, so it doesn't matter if it's the small market Pelicans. But if he holds out, then the endorsement deals will be put on hold, too. It seems from the reports on realgm that Zion has already met with some of the teams that could get him and he gave them assurances. His stepfather has said as much. That's smart thinking instead of holding out or going back to Duke. What does he have left to prove if he's a lock at #1? Thus, he seems like a great pick for any team with the #1.
