“I’m not going to let the city down or family down,” Zion Williamson says his ultimate goal is to win a championship after signing max $193 Million extension
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Zion Williamson
New Orleans Pelicans will be feeling much better now after major confidence was given to them by marquee Zion Williamson. Literally, after losing to the top seed Phoenix Suns in the first round, they were looking for a strong comeback, and with returning Zion , they might not have to dig deep into their pockets for any “Outsider”. The 22-year-old star agreed to a maximum contract extension last week and has set himself a goal for the period at the Pelicans.
Franchise owners and fans will be thrilled with the statement and certainly have a very potent team to make the wish come true. Zion Williamson might be having some new faces a the franchise, after making return from the injury. CJ McCollum is one of the prominent and experienced star that can help Zion Williamson to achieve his goal.
Williamson was one of the most hyped, young basketball players coming out of college in recent memory. After rocking his rookie season, and making a return from the injury, he agreed to the deal worth about $193 million. After the extension, Zion faced a press conference on Wednesday.
Zion Williamson determined to be focused on winnings
Just a difference of a year or two, last year on July 6, his 21st birthday, Zion Williamson found out he had suffered a broken right foot, an injury that ended up costing him the 2021-22 season. And in 2022 on July 6, his 22nd birthday, the New Orleans Pelicans’ forward put ink to paper and signed his five-year designated rookie max extension that could rise up to $231 million.
When he was questioned about his birthday ranks, Williamson smiled and patted Pelicans executive vice president of basketball operations, David Griffin, on the shoulder. “Number one,” he said sportingly. At the time of contract extension, Williamson sat down at a table with his family and YMCA kids. After signing the mega-deal, Zion put the cap on the pen, looked up, and said, “I’m locked in, baby.”
Importantly, Williamson’s deal does not include any player option at the end of it. His teammate Brandon Ingram also signed his five-year deal with the Pelicans following the 2019-20 season with no option.
After thanking his family and supporters for their never-ending love during the injury period, Zion said he is back in business. He reminded the period when he was rehabilitating during his injury, “On my birthday last year, I found out I broke my foot. I was out the whole year. It was a tough year. For the Pelicans to come to give me this birthday gift, I’m not going to let them down. I’m not going to let my family down. I’m not going to let the city down. And most importantly, I’m not going to let myself down.”
Falling behind Memphis’ Ja Morant in the 2020 Rookie of the season, Williamson looked determined to leave no stone untouched this season. Williamson was officially cleared to return to full basketball activities on May 26. With plenty of practice court sessions, Williamson is eager to get back to competitive games.
“I want to prove that I’m a winner,” former Duke star Williamson said. “It’s as simple as that. I want to win with coach. As well as with my teammates. The ultimate goal is to win the championship. I feel like that’s what we’re all striving for. Like Griff said, we’re hungry. Y’all saw this past year what the team did and I’m just excited to add to that.”
Pelicans certainly tried to add some important role players around the young pairing of Brandon Ingram and Zion Williamson. CJ McCollum is just one of the new additions along with center Jonas Valanciunas, forward Larry Nance Jr., and guard Devonte’ Graham. With so many experienced stars, they have second-year players Herb Jones, Trey Murphy III, and Jose Alvarado. Pelicans also have drafted Dyson Daniels in the 2022 draft.
New Orleans accomplished satisfactory results under first-year coach Willie Green, who was excited at the prospect of finally getting to coach Williamson on the floor next season. NBA fans will also be looking forward to the explosive star to make the game exciting.
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Kunal Chawda
(600 Articles Published)