Photo: New Orleans Pelicans/YouTube

Scottie Pippen, a six-time NBA champion, shared candid thoughts on Zion Williamson’s career trajectory during an appearance on the PBD Podcast. When asked by host Patrick Bet-David if Williamson could have a Hall of Fame career, Pippen offered a blunt assessment: “I don’t see that happening.”

Pippen expressed doubts about Williamson’s ability to stay on the court and meet professional expectations. “I don’t know how much longer he’s going to be on the court. I think the organization has bent over backwards to maintain some professionalism to the fact that this kid is not even on the court. He’s not even working to be a professional basketball player,” Pippen said.

He compared Williamson’s current approach to that of an uncommitted college athlete, questioning his discipline and preparation. “It’s almost like when you watch him, you’re seeing a kid sitting on a college bench and still hasn’t found what’s going to be fruitful for him in life—whether it’s his diet, putting the right people around, getting yourself ready, staying healthy,” Pippen remarked.

The Chicago Bulls legend highlighted Williamson’s inconsistent career thus far, warning that injuries or a potential lockout could derail it entirely. “All indication shows me that if there’s a lockout, if there’s any injuries major to him, it’s going to take him out,” he added.

While critical, Pippen believes Williamson’s potential is salvageable if he surrounds himself with the right influences. “He hasn’t shown that he’s disciplined enough to take care of himself physically yet… He’s definitely savable. There’s a lot of GMs out there watching and hoping that New Orleans sort of drop the ball,” Pippen said.

He emphasized the importance of veteran leadership to help Williamson grow on and off the court. “Organizations out there would love to embrace this kid and really get him to where he can be a great NBA player. I mean, I look for the kid that went to Duke as the oldest player on their team. Well, he’s probably three or four years older than Zion. Veteran leadership around this kid may help him,” Pippen explained.

When asked who could provide the guidance Williamson needs, Pippen pointed to Miami Heat President Pat Riley. “Either going to make him or break him, somebody like Pat Riley in the Miami Heat organization,” Pippen stated.

At 24 years old, Williamson is enduring the most challenging season of his career. He is averaging a career-low 21.9 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 5.4 assists per game. Injuries have limited him to just 10 appearances in New Orleans’ first 43 games.

The Pelicans are currently 14th in the Western Conference with a dismal 11-32 record. Frustrations within the organization have mounted, exemplified by Williamson’s recent suspension following a series of incidents. These included arriving late to practices and missing the team flight to Philadelphia. Although the suspension lasted only one game, it underscored concerns about Williamson’s professionalism.

Williamson entered the NBA with immense expectations as the first overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft. While his physical talent is undeniable, Scottie Pippen’s comments highlight the growing uncertainty surrounding his long-term impact on the league.

With time still on his side, Williamson has the opportunity to prove doubters wrong. However, as Pippen highlighted, that window may not remain open indefinitely if the former No. 1 pick cannot address the factors hindering his career.