Redick: Zion not reaching out to McCollum shows 'lack of investment'

Fifteen-year NBA veteran JJ Redick wasn't impressed with New Orleans Pelicans star Zion Williamson after CJ McCollum told reporters he hasn't spoken with the team's cornerstone since being acquired on Feb. 9.

"This just shows a complete lack of investment in your team," Redick said on ESPN's "First Take" on Tuesday.

"Send a text to a guy when he gets traded to your team. That is just normal behavior, that's the bare minimum."

Redick played with Williamson on the Pelicans from 2019-21 and called the former No. 1 pick a "detached teammate."

Williamson is currently away from the team rehabbing a foot injury that has held him out the entire season, but Redick doesn't see his lack of physical presence as an excuse.

"I get that he's hurt and away from the team, but you just traded for one of the 50 best players in the league, a guy that's supposed to be paired with you, reach out and say hello," he said.

Following Redick's criticism, McCollum has since informed ESPN's Malika Andrews that he and Williamson have spoken.

Williamson was originally expected to be back for the start of the regular season after undergoing offseason foot surgery. However, after multiple delays, his status for the rest of the campaign is still up in the air.

The Pelicans have gone just 1-4 since trading for McCollum. The team possesses a 23-36 record and are two games back of the Portland Trail Blazers for 10th place in the Western Conference.