Former NBA player Kendrick Perkins delivered a blistering critique of Zion Williamson, claiming the All-Star forward has “completely f—ed” the New Orleans Pelicans’ culture and derailed the organization since the day he was drafted. His comments came after the Pelicans decided to part ways with head coach Willie Green, a move that sparked debates about where the franchise’s deeper issues truly lie.
According to Perkins, the coaching change is merely a surface-level move. He argued that the team’s real struggles stem from Zion’s inconsistency and lack of dependability.
“This is less about Willie Green being fired and more about how Zion Williamson is a culture killer, an organization killer,” Perkins said on the Road Trippin’ Show. He did not hold back, adding, “Zion has completely f—ed this organization since they drafted him. Top to bottom. You can’t depend on him, you don’t know what’s going on.”
Perkins also pointed to the unusual structure of Williamson’s contract, calling it a major red flag for a franchise cornerstone. He highlighted the fact that Zion’s max deal is heavily non-guaranteed, something rarely seen for a player once viewed as a future face of the league. Perkins argued that the Pelicans should seriously consider cutting ties.
“They can waive him, they can trade him. What is his trade market? I think they should move on from Zion,” he said.
A significant part of Perkins’ frustration centers around Zion’s durability. His recurring hamstring issues have been a constant source of concern. Perkins emphasized this by saying,
“All of a sudden, he hurt his hamstring again … I don’t think I’ve ever seen anybody in sports hurt their hamstring more than Zion Williamson.”
Perkins’ fiery remarks echo the growing unease surrounding Williamson’s long-term outlook. While Zion’s talent is undeniable, questions about his reliability, conditioning, and commitment continue to overshadow his potential — leaving the Pelicans at a crossroads regarding their franchise star.
