
Carmelo Anthony has expressed disappointment in Zion Williamson, calling out the New Orleans Pelicans star forward’s approach to professionalism. Williamson, who recently returned from missing 27 games due to injuries, faced further scrutiny after a one-game suspension for arriving late to a team flight.
“With Zion, in my opinion, everybody always coveted him,” Anthony said 7PM in Brooklyn, via ClutchPoints. “He doesn’t have the resume that we all would be looking for at this point in his career, but he has the star power. So when you have the star power, everything else comes with that.”
Anthony emphasized the need for accountability within the Pelicans organization, urging them to address Williamson’s behavior directly. “Inside that organization has to be some real conversations with this man,” Anthony added. “Do you want to be here? If you want to be here, we’ve got to figure this s—t out. What you’re doing being an hour late, that s—t is unacceptable.”
Williamson, 24, has struggled with consistency this season, posting career-low average of 21.9 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 5.4 assists per game. Injuries have limited his availability, as he has appeared in just 10 of New Orleans’ first 43 games. The Pelicans, as a result, are 14th in the Western Conference with an 11-32 record.
Anthony believes Williamson’s behavior is indicative of what he describes as the “dark side” of player empowerment. “We fought for player empowerment, taking a stand, sitting in lockouts, and sitting across these owners, and really figuring out the business of this game,” Anthony explained. “But this is like the dark side to it.”
The suspension followed a series of incidents, including Williamson arriving late to practices and missing the team flight to Philadelphia. Although the suspension lasted only one game, it highlighted growing frustrations within the Pelicans organization regarding their star forward’s lack of professionalism.
For Anthony, the situation is emblematic of the challenges that come with player empowerment, especially when young stars are given significant freedom without the necessary guidance. “He’s been pampered his whole career, in my opinion,” Anthony said. “That kind of coddling has consequences.”
Williamson’s inability to stay healthy and his questionable commitment have stalled his career progression, a stark contrast to the expectations that accompanied his entry into the league. While his immense talent and star power remain undeniable, Anthony’s comments reflect the growing concern that Williamson is not meeting his potential.