Former New Orleans Pelicans big man DeMarcus Cousins shared his thoughts on Pelicans star Zion Williamson and his struggles to stay in shape for the franchise.
Cousins showed some love to the 24-year-old and explained that he wants him to succeed, but he also expressed some concerns and said he thinks a trade is on the horizon.
“When you look at it, it’s almost a simple fix,” he said. “It’s like, all we’re askin’ you to do is get in shape and stay in shape. That’s it.”
Cousins continued.
“Draftin’ this kid knowin’ there’s a weight concern, you don’t send him to a city like New Orleans,” Cousins said. “I’m from Mobile, Alabama. New Orleans is like second home. We go to New Orleans when we wanna eat good.”
The Pelicans took Williamson with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft. The former Duke University star is an elite athlete for his size, and he has an insane vertical that allows him to finish easily at the rim.
Unfortunately, Williamson’s NBA career has been marred with injuries, including this season. He has played in just six games for the Pelicans in the 2024-25 campaign.
When he’s been on the floor this season, he’s been a productive player. Williamson is averaging 22.7 points, 8.0 rebounds and 5.3 assists per game this season while shooting 45.2 percent from the field and 33.3 percent from 3.
As a rookie, Williamson appeared in just 24 games, but he did play in 61 games in his second NBA season.
Then, a foot injury cost the two-time All-Star the entire 2021-22 season. He returned and made the All-Star Game in the 2022-23 season, but he was limited to just 29 games.
Last season, Williamson played in the most games of his NBA career (70) to help the Pelicans reach the play-in tournament in the Western Conference.
Unfortunately, he was injured in the team’s first play-in game against the Los Angeles Lakers and did not return to action in the 2023-24 season. New Orleans still made the playoffs, earning the No. 8 seed in the West, but it was swept by the Oklahoma City Thunder in the first round without Williamson.
Cousins, who was an All-Star during his brief time in New Orleans during his NBA career, clearly knows the dangers that come with being in a city that has such great food.
Hopefully, Williamson can get himself back in shape and healthy enough to play again in the 2024-25 season.
