Photo: New Orleans Pelicans/X

In a recent episode of First Take, ESPN personality Stephen A. Smith delved into the controversy surrounding Zion Williamson’s one-game suspension from the New Orleans Pelicans.

Williamson was disciplined for a violation of team rules, which reports later revealed stemmed from consistent tardiness, including being late for a team flight.

Smith didn’t shy away from offering his perspective on the situation, suggesting that Williamson’s behavior reflects deeper dissatisfaction with his current team.

The well-known ESPN commentator argued that the issue goes beyond the suspension and is rooted in Williamson’s desire to leave New Orleans.

“Zion doesn’t want to be in New Orleans, he doesn’t want to be there,” Smith explained. “He wants to be in a major market like LA, New York, or whatever, because he wants the marketability.”

The outspoken ESPN analyst emphasized that Williamson seems to be focused on the commercial opportunities that come with playing in a larger, more prominent city, rather than fully committing to his current role in New Orleans.

Smith continued to express concerns over Williamson’s professionalism, questioning his commitment to the game and his desire to grow as a player. “It’s unclear if Zion cares enough to be a professional,” he stated.

He added, “You look at Zion Williamson right now, it’s becoming a joke. You know that this brother has got superstar written all over him as a talent, but he doesn’t appear to care enough about being a professional and he certainly, I don’t believe, wants to be in New Orleans.”

The NBA expert believes that Williamson’s lack of effort may be a sign of his desire to move on from the Pelicans.

“I think he wants out, I think that’s what this is all about,” Smith said, asserting that Williamson would rather play elsewhere.

However, he also raised doubts about whether other teams would be willing to take a chance on a player with such apparent issues.

“But why should anybody want him if this is what you’re going to get?” Smith asked, highlighting the potential risk for any team considering Williamson’s future in light of his behavior.