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

Redick didn't have nice things to say about New Orleans Pelicans star Zion Williamson after he said he hadn't spoken with him.

Redick argued on First Take that the comments from Zion are part of a pattern of behavior that we are seeing again and again.

His comments start at the 52 second mark.

Redick said that the points he made Tuesday were something he addressed with their teammate when they shared a locker room.

It is 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 Zion. If rookies want to become great players of historic significance, they have to make a bargain.

The fact that he has made just 85 appearances since he was drafted is an issue. What might be an even bigger problem for New Orleans was underscored by Redick's comments.

Ja Morant and the Memphis Grizzles warmed to one another very quickly, contrasting how little Williamson seems to be weaving himself into his franchise and new home city.

There is 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.

In his seven years in New Orleans, Anthony Davis only made two playoff trips. The inability to build a contender around Davis made it easy to sympathize with Williamson.

The narrative might be changing a bit.

Mason Ginsberg @MasonGinsberg

If JJ Redick is willing to go on national TV and dump on Zion's behavior despite sharing a college team, an agency, and a dissatisfaction with Griff... I just don't know what other evidence you need about how poorly the guy has handled his NBA career to date.

Mike Vorkunov @MikeVorkunov

This is the first on-the-record anecdotal evidence of the Zion-Pelicans fissure that I can remember. And oof, Redick lets some things loose. And he was the one who was unhappy with New Orleans and David Griffin last year. https://t.co/VuDn2GZgxR

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

He is eligible to sign an extension this summer if he hits restricted free agency. The odds of him re-signing with the Pels don't look good.

The NBA could be in for a big change if Zion decides on his next deal.