CJ McCollum eventually traded with Zion Williamson. The rear, who explained that he had not been in contact with the interior two weeks after his arrival, assured ESPN that the big injured Pelicans had since come to him. A situation that can question from afar but that does not surprise a former franchise: JJ Redick.
For the latter, passed by the Pelicans between 2019 and 2021, this episode is quite symptomatic of the behavior of the n°1 of the Draft 2019 with his playmates.
” It just shows a complete lack of investment in the team, the franchise, the city. I understand that he’s injured and away from the team, but you just got back one of the top 50 players in the league that you’re supposed to partner with. Hold out your hand and say ‘Hello’. This trend is repeated with him“, blame the retiree.
Texting, the “bare minimum”
The latter considers that sending a simple text message to a newcomer is a ” basic teammate behavior “. ” This is normal behavior, the bare minimum to do. However, he believes he has spent enough time alongside the interior to describe him as a “ detached teammate. It is true. “
” There is a responsibility as an athlete in a team sport to be fully invested. Be fully invested in the physical aspect, in your work, with your teammates. It’s your responsibility, and we haven’t seen that from Zion “, notes the former sniper who also says he broached the subject with Zion Williamson, in front of the team, when he was a rookie.
For JJ Redick, there is a difference between what the phenomenon has shown on the field and in the locker room. ” Yes, he was amazing on the court, 100%. He is amazing to watch. There’s no one who can do what he does on a basketball court. But on the teammate aspect, there is a role model to follow as a fully invested individual in New Orleans. It is worrying.“
