No, Zion Williamson Is Not Returning To Duke, Says Stepdad: ‘Not Something That We Have Even Considered’

When it was revealed that the New York Knicks would not be getting the number one pick in the next NBA draft, but instead it would be the New Orleans Pelicans, many fans’ first thought was that Zion Williamson might just up and decide to return to Duke next season.

That rumor flame was fanned most of the day following the draft by multiple media sources with claims that Williamson was actually looking forward to playing for the Knicks, seeming to indicate that he was not happy with the prospect of playing for the Pelicans.

Fast forward to Thursday morning, and Williamson’s stepdad Lee Anderson said on the Off the Bench radio show in Baton Rouge that Zion is “excited about” playing in New Orleans.

He also added that the option of returning to play a second season for the Blue Devils was “not something that we have even considered.”

“One thing that Zion has always been taught is to accept the things you can’t change, and change the things that you can change. And, this is one of the things that he has nothing to do with,” said Anderson. “It’s the process of the NBA, and certainly we’re excited about the Crescent City down there in New Orleans.”

Giving this sentiment even more believability is a report that Williamson met with New Orleans prior to the draft lottery and cited the Pelicans as a “targeted team” to start his career.

All that being said, Williamson has reportedly yet to sign with an agent, so he does have that card to play as leverage should he choose to do so. But yeah, there’s no way he is going back to Duke because there’s a better than average chance this could happen…

Regardless of where Williamson ends up playing in the NBA next season, it’s probably going to end up looking something like this…

Can’t wait.