The Pelicans are expected to draft Zion Williamson with the top overall pick in next month’s NBA Draft but things aren’t looking good in the organization now as Davis still wants a trade, even with the team likely drafting Williamson. According to Pelicans Vice President of Basketball Operations David Griffin though, he thinks New Orleans is the “right environment” for both AD and Williamson.
Per ESPN, Griffin added that it’s a false narrative that Williamson would need to be convinced to play in New Orleans. He’s also hoping that the Williamson situation ends up having AD change his mind about the trade.
“I’m certain that’s a false narrative relative to the players that could potentially be the No. 1 pick,” Griffin said. “We’ve sat with multiple players that we’re looking at for that first pick. In fact, in the case of Zion Williamson, Alvin Gentry and I sat with he and his parents the night of the lottery. … And Alvin and I were also together in interviewing Ja Morant in Chicago as well. And I think because we sat with those kids, who are both incredible human beings and all about all the right things, we know unequivocally that either one of them would be thrilled to join us in New Orleans. And they’re both very much excited about the concept.”
The Pelicans have a nice young squad surrounding AD with Jrue Holiday, Julius Randle, Jahlil Okafor, and Elfrid Payton. Prior to the disastrous 2018-19 season, the team made the playoffs in 2017-18 and even won a playoff series by sweeping the Trailblazers in the first round of the playoffs. Adding Williamson would be a huge boost and could put NO back in postseason action but if AD is gone, that possibility is all but over.