JJ Redick Says Zion Williamson Is a 'Detached Teammate' After CJ McCollum Comments

JJ Redick didn't have flattering comments about New Orleans Pelicans star Zion Williamson after CJ McCollum said he hadn't spoken with Williamson personally following his trade to the Pelicans.

Redick argued Tuesday on First Take that McCollum's comments are part of a "pattern of behavior with Zion that we are seeing again and again." Having spent a season-and-a-half with New Orleans, Redick also described Williamson as a "detached teammate."

His comments begin at the 52-second mark:

Redick added that the points he made Tuesday were something he addressed with the 6'6" forward in front of their Pelicans teammates when they shared a locker room.

To some extent, it's not fair for a 19-year-old to carry the hopes of a franchise on his shoulders as soon as he enters the NBA, as was the case with Williamson. But that's the bargain incoming rookies have to make if they want to become great players of historic significance.

The fact Williamson has made just 85 appearances since the Pelicans drafted him is an obvious issue. Redick's comments underline what might be an even bigger problem for New Orleans.

Contrast how little Williamson seems to be weaving himself into his franchise and new home city with how quickly Ja Morant and the Memphis Grizzlies warmed to one another.

This is also happening against an undercurrent of uncertainty about how much the 21-year-old wants to be in New Orleans.

The Athletic's Shams Charania, Joe Vardon and William Guillory reported last June that the Pelicans "have been unable to put together the right elements to make rising star Zion Williamson and his family happy."

Anthony Davis made just two playoff trips in his seven years in New Orleans. The organization's inability to build a contender around Davis made it easy to sympathize with Williamson and blame the Pelicans.

However, the narrative might be reversing a bit.

While NBA stars are on the move more frequently than ever, it's assumed in almost every case that a notable player coming off his rookie deal will sign a contract at or near the max and request a trade down the road.

Williamson might be a significant exception to that rule. He's eligible to sign an extension starting this summer and due to hit restricted free agency. Based on what's being said and reported, the odds of him re-signing with the Pels don't look good.

Much like how The Decision set the stage for an era of player empowerment, whatever Williamson decides on his next deal could be an inflection point for the NBA.