Zion Williamson’s Stepdad Says Duke Star Is Excited To Play For Pelicans

Zion Wiliamson‘s stepfather revealed this week that the Duke standout would be eager to play for the New Orleans Pelicans should they choose him — as is expected — as the first overall pick in next month’s NBA draft.

“We’re excited [about coming to New Orleans],” Lee Anderson told the Off the Bench radio show Thursday on 104.5 ESPN Baton Rouge.

Rumors have been swirling recently that Williamson may not be as interested in joining the Pelicans as most people initially believed. The team is undergoing a rough patch after Anthony Davis requested a trade last season.

“And you said about returning to Duke … there has been a lot of speculation, but that is nothing that we have even considered,” Anderson added about speculation his 18-year-old stepson might remain with the Blue Devils for another season.

Anderson also said he talked to Pelicans coach Alvin Gentry recently and that their discussions went well.

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Some NBA fans have speculated that the New York Knicks — who are among the teams that have the best chance at winning this year’s draft lottery — could select Williamson as a top pick.

“One thing that Zion has always been taught, you accept the things you can’t change, you change the things that you can change, and this is one of the things that he had nothing to do with,” Anderson said. “It’s the process of the NBA.”

New Orleans finished last season 33-49 and missed the playoffs after placing 13th in the Western Conference.

According to an Instagram post on Father’s Day last June, Williamson is close with Anderson, whom he said has been in his life since he was four years old.