Stephen A. Smith on Zion Williamson: ‘He doesn’t want to be in New Orleans’

“I mean, I’mma keep it real with him,” Murray said. “He’s sitting next to me on the plane, we’ve got a great relationship, and I talk to him about a lot more than sports. This is our job, we’re going to come here as (mentors), but a lot of us don’t understand what all of us go through outside of this. So I just make sure he knows I’m here to listen. I support him, I want the best for him, but accountability is everything. So not to sugarcoat anything. It’s the past, it’s over. Hopefully, he grew from it and it doesn’t happen again.” -via New York Times / January 13, 2025

In terms of reliability and accountability, do you have any goals there? Zion Williamson: Yes, sir. Just growing as a leader. When the team enforces suspensions, it feels like they’re trying to send a message or set a standard. What was the message you feel they were trying to set, and how do you feel you’re responding to that? Zion Williamson: This is my job, and they’re holding me accountable. All I can do is be better. Actions have consequences, and that was my consequence. Obviously, a big part of being a star in the NBA is consistency. How have you learned over the years what the responsibility of that is at this level? Zion Williamson: It’s about everything you do—on the court, off the court, and even when nobody’s watching. I just want to keep growing as a leader in all those areas. -via YouTube / January 13, 2025

Luka Doncic won’t be in the lineup for the Dallas Mavericks on Sunday afternoon against the Denver Nuggets, which is no surprise since he’s sidelined with a left calf strain for at least the next two weeks. It marks Doncic’s 17th missed game of the season, which ends his streak of five consecutive appearances on an All-NBA first team and makes him ineligible for the MVP award. Doncic joins a growing list of stars who will not meet the NBA’s 65-game requirement for awards, including Kawhi Leonard, Joel Embiid, Zion Williamson, Paolo Banchero and Chet Holmgren. “I think that’s just part of the nature right now with the way the rules are set up,” said Mavericks coach Jason Kidd. “When you have a severe injury, it can knock you out of that, but we know that he’s one of the best players. He’s always mentioned as an MVP candidate.” -via Dallas Morning News / January 12, 2025