CJ McCollum Defends New Orleans Pelicans Star Zion Williamson During An Interview With ESPN's Kendrick Perkins

CJ McCollum sheds light on the current focus of New Orleans Pelicans star forward, Zion Williamson.

Labeling the scrutiny Zion Williamson has faced as benign and mild would be an understatement.  This year has stayed the same for the New Orleans Pelicans All-Star forward.  

As NBA fans, analysts, reporters, and celebrities descended on Indianapolis for the 2024 All-Star Weekend, Williamson was absent from the 2023-24 West squad.  

He may not have gotten the votes, but his play has garnered praise lately.

Dec 11, 2022; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (1) high fives guard CJ McCollum (3) during the third quarter against the Phoenix Suns at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Wevers-USA TODAY Sports

Williamson, 23, has averaged 22.4 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 4.8 assists in an up-and-down season for the young forward.  A recent foot injury has the Pelicans closely monitoring his playing time, knowing how critical his presence will be for the team following the All-Star break.

In the past five games, Zion's had two 30-point outings against the Wizards (36) and Lakers (30) and has been clutch in the last minutes.  His recent late-game heroics are a stark comparison to the turnovers and errant passes he committed during games earlier this season.

The New Orleans Pelicans floor leader, CJ McCollum, spoke with former NBA Champion Kendrick Perkins about Zion Williamson's commitment and preparation for basketball.

Dec 4, 2023; Sacramento, California, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (1) gestures while talking with guard CJ McCollum (right) during the fourth quarter against the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports

CJ McCollum On Zion Williamson's Commitment

"I asked him what he was doing during the break. We talked about five games in seven days that we have come out of this back to back, and we talked about how we have a gap of six games in about 14 or 15 days. Shout out to the schedule gods. We're excited about that. But he said I got treatment in the morning. I have a lift with my stepfather."

"His actions have demonstrated that he cares." @cjmccollum on Zion Williamson's desire to be better. pic.twitter.com/P4YMbVGNn1

— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) February 16, 2024

CJ McCollum Talks How Zion Is Finding Personal Escapes

• "You're talking about a guy that's locked in and understanding that you get your work in first."
• "And then you figure out what's your version of healthy, happy play. Yeah. And for him, it's golf. For him, it's it's his way to get away."

McCollum On The New Orleans Pelicans' Team Potential

"I think our team is built to succeed as long as we're healthy, and I'm excited to see what happens going forward."