Report: Zion's detachment stems from distrust of Pelicans VP Griffin

Zion Williamson's relationship with the New Orleans Pelicans has been strained in part by his distrust of executive vice president of basketball operations David Griffin, sources told NOLA.com's Christian Clark.

That distrust reportedly extends to Griffin's hand-chosen medical team. Williamson, the first overall pick in the 2019 draft, hasn't appeared in a game this season due to suffering a fractured fifth metatarsal in his right foot during the offseason. He has faced numerous setbacks since initially expecting to be available for October's regular-season opener.

For their part, the Pelicans are reportedly frustrated with Williamson's level of commitment to the team's rehabilitation plan. For instance, the 21-year-old reported to the team at over 300 pounds in September - well above the team's preferred playing weight of 265 pounds, one source told NOLA.com.

Since January, Williamson has been away from the team, rehabbing his injury in Portland.

CJ McCollum, a respected veteran who also serves as president of the National Basketball Players Association, made headlines over the weekend when he revealed that he and Williamson hadn't spoken directly with each other more than a week after McCollum joined the Pelicans via trade. Retired guard JJ Redick lambasted his former teammate, citing Williamson's "complete lack of investment" in the organization.

Following McCollum's public revelation, Williamson ultimately did reach out to his new teammate, the former told ESPN's Malika Andrews.

The Duke phenom has averaged 25.7 points, seven rebounds, and 3.2 assists in just under 32 minutes per game in his career. However, he's also played in only 85 games - just under 42% of 203 possible appearances.

Without Williamson, the Pelicans have scraped along to a 23-36 record so far this season, placing them just two games behind the 10th-seeded Portland Trail Blazers for the Western Conference's final play-in berth. Per NOLA.com, the franchise is pessimistic that Williamson will return during its final 23 regular-season games.