One of the organization’s promising young gamers may be facing a pivotal moment in his career. As fans and analysts watch closely, the trajectory of this player’s professional journey could shift dramatically right before our eyes.
Recent reports from The Athletic indicate that Zion Williamson’s newly signed contract worth a maximum of $197 million may not be fully secure for the last three years. Signed in July 2022, Williamson triggered a clause due to missing more than 22 games last season, which has now turned guaranteed money for the 2025-2026, 2026-2027, and 2027-2028 seasons into non-guaranteed funds. This situation highlights the precarious nature of contracts in the NBA and how player performance and availability can directly impact financial security.
As a result of this clause, Williamson could potentially be waived as early as the end of the 2024-2025 season, a decision that could cost him up to $126.5 million, as pointed out by Spotrac. However, there are provisions within his contract that allow Williamson to regain his guaranteed status by meeting certain performance benchmarks, including playing a specified number of games and achieving weight targets. This adds a layer of complexity to his situation, as he must balance health and performance to secure his financial future.
Since joining the NBA as the first overall pick in 2019, Williamson’s journey has been marked by significant ups and downs. He entered the league with massive expectations and hype, but injuries have sidelined him for extended periods. Recently, he faced criticism for a lackluster performance during an in-season tournament, with NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal publicly calling him out for not putting forth enough effort. This kind of scrutiny from peers exemplifies the high stakes and pressures professional athletes face in the spotlight.
“He doesn’t run hard,” O’Neal remarked. “It’s not a diss; it’s a lesson from one great big man to another who has the potential to be great. I had similar challenges early in my career where I didn’t realize the importance of effort.” This candid feedback illustrates the shared experiences of athletes at the top of their game and the continual growth they must undergo to reach their fullest potential.
Despite the criticism, O’Neal later defended Williamson, asserting that he possesses the potential to be the league’s top player. The former four-time NBA champion drew a comparison between Williamson and his younger self, emphasizing the importance of finding that inner drive. “I used to have people tell me, ‘You had 24 points, but you need to work harder,’ and I didn’t understand at the time. Once he taps into that killer instinct, he’s going to be a force to be reckoned with,” O’Neal stated, highlighting the transformative journey athletes often experience as they mature in their careers.
At times, Williamson has demonstrated the ability to compete at an elite level. In the 29 games he played last season, he averaged an impressive 26 points, 7 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game. Only five other players managed to achieve similar numbers during the same period, according to Stathead: Jayson Tatum, Luka Doncic, Giannis Antetokounmpo, LeBron James, and reigning MVP Joel Embiid. This statistic underscores his potential and the high expectations that come with it, as he continues to navigate the complexities of professional basketball.
There remains ample opportunity for Williamson to turn his career around and establish himself as a leading figure in the NBA. Currently, the Pelicans center has participated in 23 of 28 games this season, averaging 22 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game. He is on track to play a career-high 67 games this season if he can avoid major injuries. Pelicans Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations, David Griffin, remarked that this is the most serious commitment Williamson has shown to professional basketball throughout his career, indicating a possible turning point.
“This summer marked the first time we’ve seen Zion take his career seriously, investing time off the court in ways that truly matter,” Griffin shared in October. He further noted, “He has discovered a level of dedication that is crucial for his success in the league.” This emphasis on commitment and growth could signify a new chapter in Williamson’s professional journey.
