One of the more underrated and undercovered storylines of last Monday’s lottery: The Pelicans asked Zion Williamson to be their on-stage representative. It didn’t lead to anything more than New Orleans scoring the seventh overall pick, but league sources insist that it was a significant development. Amid no shortage of speculation about the Pelicans deciding to outright shop Williamson for the first time after six frustration-filled seasons, sources say that the lottery assignment was indeed intended to convey the message that New Orleans’ new front office, now headed by Louisiana native Joe Dumars, wants to try again to make things work with Williamson as the team’s centerpiece.
Source: Marc Stein @ marcstein.substack.com
Source: Marc Stein @ marcstein.substack.com
More on this storyline
According to Howard Beck of The Ringer, one anonymous exec said that while Flagg has a “high chance” of becoming an All-Star, he isn’t in the same class as other recent No. 1 overall picks such as Victor Wembanyama of the San Antonio Spurs or Zion Williamson of the New Orleans Pelicans in terms of being a “can’t-miss, generational” prospect. Another executive suggested Flagg may be a “very good” player, but “not a star,” while a third said that while Flagg does have “superstar” potential, they aren’t sure he’ll be a future MVP candidate. -via Bleacher Report / May 16, 2025
It was announced Monday that Zion Williamson will be the Pelicans’ on-stage representative in Monday night’s draft lottery. One source close to the process concurred with my instant reaction to this news: That’s not the sort of role you ask a star player to take on if you’re looking to trade him. -via marcstein.substack.com / May 12, 2025
• Brooklyn Nets: Jordi Fernandez, Head Coach • Charlotte Hornets: Charles Lee, Head Coach • Chicago Bulls: Matas Buzelis, Player • Dallas Mavericks: Rolando Blackman, Mavericks Ambassador • Houston Rockets: Hakeem Olajuwon, Rockets Legend • New Orleans Pelicans: Zion Williamson, Player • Philadelphia 76ers: Jared McCain, Player • Portland Trail Blazers: Toumani Camara, Player • Sacramento Kings: Keon Ellis, Player • San Antonio Spurs: Mitch Johnson, Head Coach • Toronto Raptors: Masai Ujiri, Vice Chairman and President • Utah Jazz: Ashley Smith, Co-owner • Washington Wizards: Bub Carrington, Player -via RealGM / May 12, 2025