As of now, most of us are probably aware that Zion Williamson may be on his way out from the New Orleans Pelicans roster. Lately, the 2x All-Star has been linked to several trade scenarios involving the Houston Rockets and the Charlotte Hornets. Setting aside all the rumors, Williamson has also been dealing with a lot of personal issues off the court.
For starters, the Rockets have shown interest in acquiring him this off-season. They also recently hired Ime Udoka are their new head coach. Udoka missed out on an entire season after being suspended for having an improper relationship with a Boston Celtics staffer. The Rockets are also in discussion of re-signing their ex-MVP player, James Harden.
The Pelicans had a terrible season missing out on the playoffs, unlike last year’s hail mary during the play-in tournament. Unfortunately, Zion Williamson averaged 26 points, 7 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per piece only to get injured 29 games into his season. Zion was sidelined for the rest of the season and also missed the All-Star Game as a first-time starter. NOLA is trying to pursue the No.2 overall pick in this year’s draft, Scoot Henderson.
The Hornets prefer former Most Improved Player of the Year over Zion Williamson
The 2023 NBA Draft is less than a week away. And chaos will unfold as teams try to upgrade their roster. As mentioned earlier, the Pelicans are trying to pursue Scoot Henderson, who is the projected No.2 overall pick in the draft. The Charlotte Hornets own the second pick in the draft and both teams have been in discussion regarding the potential swap.
“I don’t know if the Hornets would want Zion Williamson, I think who the Hornets want is Brandon Ingram.”
— Shams Charania on the Pelicans wanting to trade up for the #2 pick in the NBA Draft and select Scoot Henderson 👀
(via @PatMcAfeeShow)pic.twitter.com/zQdZl3RHY2
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPointsApp) June 16, 2023
However, NBA reporter Shams Charania recently had a update regarding the Hornets. He revealed, “What I have heard is, I don’t know if the Hornets would want Zion Williamson. I think who the Hornets want, from what I’m told, is Brandon Ingram.” NOLA wants to ship Zion away, but the Hornets have now put them in a tough spot by targeting their former MIP.
The Charlotte Hornets would want Brandon Ingram in a potential trade with the Pelicans for the No. 2 pick, per @ShamsCharania
(Via @PatMcAfeeShow ) pic.twitter.com/3FXl3sacSc
— NBACentral (@TheNBACentral) June 16, 2023
There are a few upsides with Ingram’s presence on the roster. He is a consistent scorer and is far more reliable unlike Williamson, who has been in and out of rotation constantly. Ingram averaged a career-best 24.7 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 5.8 rebounds per game last season. He would be a great pairing next to LaMelo Ball as well.