Carmelo Anthony slams Pelicans’ Zion Williamson, ‘dark side of player empowerment’

NBA legend Carmelo Anthony he didn’t hold back expressing his disappointment with New Orleans Pelicans star ahead Zion Williamson. His criticism was created after Williamson handled things poorly as the team struggled with a poor 9-32 record. After missing nearly 27 games due to injuries, Williamson is finally back. However, his return was overshadowed by a one-game suspension for being late for a team flight, which only fueled Anthony’s frustration.

“With Zion, in my opinion, everybody always craved him,” Anthony said. “He doesn’t have the resume that we would all be looking for, that we think he should have, at this point in his career, but he has star power.” So when you have star power, everything else comes with it.

“Within that organization, there must be real conversations with this man.” Do you want to be here, if you want to be here, we have to figure this s—t out. What you’re doing is an hour late, that’s unacceptable.”

Anthony believes that Zion Williamson has been spoiled too much during his career, leaving a negative impression on him. This pampering contributed to a lack of professionalism in Williamson’s approach to the game. This hampered the progress other players had made in the field of player empowerment.

“This is like the dark side of player empowerment,” Anthony said. “We’ve been fighting to empower players, taking a stand, sitting in lockouts and sitting next to these owners, and really understanding the business of this game.”

Carmelo Anthony digs deep into Pelicans forward Zion Williamson

After the suspension, Williamson returned to the court for two games, averaging 18.5 points and 7 rebounds. Despite his individual performance, the New Orleans Pelicans struggled to achieve consistent results, finishing 1-1 during that time.

While each game shows Williamson making progress toward returning to his former self, fans are increasingly concerned that it may be too late for the Pelicans to secure a tournament berth before he fully regains his All-Star level of play. But for Anthony, that’s just an indication of the writing on the wall. Williamson wants out of New Orleans and will try to finish his career.

“Or you don’t give a f—k, which I don’t mean you don’t give a f—k, I’ll give you the benefit of the doubt,” Anthony said. “You don’t give af—k or you just piss on the territory.” You say fuck it, and this is my way of saying, get me out of here.”