Gilbert Arenas wants Zion Williamson out of New Orleans at the earliest

Gilbert Arenas recently suggested that NBA star Zion Williamson needs a change of scenery away from the New Orleans Pelicans.

Gilbert Arenas calls for a fresh start for Pelican's power forward

Zion Williamson hasn’t been his full self since the New Orleans Pelicans drafted him in the 2019 NBA Draft. Ever since he landed in New Orleans, injuries have played a major part and Williamson has struggled to stay in shape. The storyline has become very repetitive, with the star player being on and off the court season after season.

This year, Zion Williamson has participated in only six games so far as he remains sidelined due to a hamstring injury. Fans have expressed disappointment with his inability to maintain weight, especially during the off-season. On his show Gil’s Arena, Gilbert Arenas suggested that perhaps it’s time to end the Zion Williamson and Pelicans chapter.

That is the problem, if you think about New Orleans, you think about food, that’s a problem. I just think that he needs to get out of that city just to cleanse himself. The fact that he’s only 25…he just needs a change of scenery.
Gilbert Arenas via Gil’s Arena

Linking Williamson’s weight issues to the culinary culture of New Orleans, Arenas proposed that it might be time for the power forward to have a fresh start and change his surroundings. Possibly, a move to Miami or Atlanta could work out. Asking him to change his ways, Arenas advocated for a trade.

FS Video

Zion needs to leave New Orleans ASAP ? pic.twitter.com/jMZc2FLtn7
— Gilbert Arenas (@GilsArenaShow) December 31, 2024

Zion Williamson has been catching numerous strays as of late. First, it was the legendary commentator, Mike Breen; then Shannon Sharpe and now, Gilbert Arenas has joined in. However, no one has been as consistent in expressing concern as Charles Barkley.

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Gilbert Arenas criticizes Zion Williamson’s weight struggles

Former NBA player Gilbert Arenas can sometimes be very harsh in his wording, but always remains truthful. Earlier this month, Arenas advised some severe measures for the Pelicans organization to protect their asset and franchise player. After all, the Pelicans have invested nearly $200 million.

I’m going to spend an extra million dollars on security to protect my money. Same thing I was saying with Ja [Morant]. I’mma spend an extra million dollars. I got your security. I have your security. I’m willing to give you $200 million, what’s going to cost me an extra million for security? “In the hotel, I can put a security by his door, there’s no food coming in this motherf*cker.
Gilbert Arenas via Gil’s Arena

In July 2022, Zion Williamson signed a five-year, $197.2 million extension with the New Orleans Pelicans. The higher the salary, the higher the expectations from the player by fans. So far, Williamson has fallen short due to his lack of dependability and regularity.

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Every year, his problems keep piling up—from weight to injuries. It hasn’t been an easy ride for the 24-year-old. Last season, “Zanos” played a career-high 70 games. He averaged 22.9 points, shot 33.3% from three, and contributed 5.8 rebounds, 5 assists, and 1.1 steals per game. Only time will tell if the player can one day achieve what he set out to achieve.