Stephen A. Smith claims he knows where Zion Williamson wants to play and its not New Orleans

Zion Williamson seems to want out of New Orleans, at least according to Stephen A.Smith. The ESPN talking head declared that the Pelicans star no longer wanted to be part of the organization during an episode of “First Take” on Monday. “Zion doesn’t want to be in New Orleans, he doesn’t want to be there,” Smith said.

“He wants to be in a major market like L.A., New York, or whatever because he wants the marketability.”Smith’s comment came in the wake of Williamson being suspended for one game after missing a team flight to Philadelphia, which was the final straw in a string of instances involving the Pelicans forward. The penalty doled out by the team signaled to former NBA star Gilbert Arenas that Williamson’s time in NOLA is likely coming to an end. “When you are suspending him after you already fined him, that’s two penalties for the same thing,” Arenas said on his podcast “Gil’s Arena” on Tuesday.“Like being late to a plane doesn’t cost a game check.

That’s already a penalty fine, that’s not a game check.So that means your relationship with him is officially over.

I’m late to something and you’re going to fine me $300 thousand? Get the f–k out of here.”Williamson’s 2024-25 season has been hampered by injuries that has limited him to just eight games. He’s averaged 21.8 points per game, 7.6 rebounds and 4.9 assists in that time. Williamson took “full responsibility” for what led to his suspension. “I’ve worked extremely hard in rehab to get healthy to deliver for this team,” he said in a statement.“There is no excuse for being late to team activities.

I have apologized to Mrs.Benson and my teammates and coaches and I also owe an apology to the fans.

“I can and will be better as a teammate and member of this organization.”The two-time All-Star missed Friday’s game against the 76ers but has been in the lineup for the last two games, including Tuesday night’s against the Bulls....