We are hours away from the 2023 NBA Draft and bombs have already started dropping for this offseason. All eyes are on this stellar draft class and what teams are willing to move (or not) to acquire some of the better prospects we’ve seen in one classroom since 2003, at least based on hype alone. The only surefire turnout we know is the #1 spot. While one of the biggest names was taken off the board when Bradley Beal was shipped off to Hooters with Booker & Co., Zion Williamson once again has built traction to be a factor for a potential major offseason move. He has faced this unlikely rumor in years past with little belief that New Orleans would be silly enough to drop this franchise player, yet this year’s waiter has now brought out some dishes that were sizzling from the kitchen, and many heads are turning in curiosity to maybe, just maybe, change their usual order and try a taste. Did that make sense? I’m always hungry, but here are the 6 burning, immediate, critical questions that come to mind when considering what happens with Zion:

        1. Should New Orleans even consider trading Zion? There’s always a price, so taking out the outrageous offers and considering viable, more- likely possibilities, is giving Zion away even a considerable position to think about? He was one of the most hyped #1 prospects since Lebron and promised to be a franchise-defining player. Health aside, it’s hard to ignore the efficiency and talent that Williamson has brought to the Pels (notably, when he was healthy this last season they were the top team in the West). The problem is, of course, that we can’t put health aside. In fact, that is the reason to juggle the thought of banking on another potential franchise-defining player. Zion sits with an attractive contract at a young age, so it might be too early to risk letting him go when he’s still an undeniable force on the court. If I had the chance to snag the #2 or #3 pick this year however, the price might be just right…

        2. What happens to the banner? Look, I am from a town that relied on South Side murals to represent our team loyalty, spray painted on the sides of taquerias with chrome-like details that would translate wonderfully into airbrush tees sold at corner-street tents. Being in a city with a nationally top-prospect, immediately signed to a major brand somehow translates to a secret city club of skyscraper banners, shortly worded and larger than life. I never had that before, and it’s just cool as hell. When I moved to New Orleans, the Zion banner was a feat in and of itself for an outsider. Does it stay? Is another player the replacement (in which I say no, you just can’t have any player on a banner…right)? I like the idea of OG Pierre and King Cake Baby standing back-to-back on a mural that size just to incite terror. Don’t let me plan the banner.

        3. What city will Zion Jr. be raised in? There’s something to growing up in a town with history, culture, the biggest and best celebration of the year, and some of the worst streets to drive on. Most families don’t flock to New Orleans as an ideal place to raise little ones, but when you have money I’m positive that you can eliminate some of the struggles others might face (school systems, childcare, etc.). I am in no place to assume, so from a point of ignorance, is it better to bring this new child into the world of New York, Portland, Charlotte? Maybe, but c’mon, it’s New Orleans.

        4. Who else goes down with the ship? That might be dramatic phrasing, but there’s a chance that Zion alone might not be enticing enough to make a final deal. At that point, who else becomes available? Trey Murphy III and Herb Jones have proven to be amazing steals and viable assets, but is that price too high? Depending on the payoff, I am curious on who else might be on the table. The only players I feel confident about are Ingram, CJ, and Jose. That’s it. But even my confidence doesn’t guarantee the outlandish possibility that New Orleans can’t shake things up.

        5. Is the Jordan Zion 3 still coming? I’m one to not care for non-Michael, Jordan-endorsed player shoe releases (i.e. any Jordans other than 1-14 including combos of any in that list: Spizikes, 6-Rings, etc.). But the Zion 2s released anime colorways. That’s cool. AND, they’re on sale right now. If Zion propels into a bigger market, is the Zion 3 inevitable? Do the Zion 2s go more on-sale? Will I buy them – no – but shoes maketh the man.

        6. If it comes down to it – Scoot or Zion? The real reason why Zion is trending is the possibility of Portland or Charlotte opting to trade their top pick, which will very-well be Scoot Henderson. It’s a strong consensus that in pretty much any other non-Wemby year, Scoot is an undeniable #1. Brandon Miller also proves to be a potential franchise-player, and New Orleans could find itself with an offer for either one if they look to give up the injury-prone star power of Williamson. If I had to pick right now, and if it was down to one-for-one, Scoot somehow is too good to pass up. Seeing him develop next to BI and the growing core that the Pelicans have, along with some solid future draft capital, could prove to be beneficial in the long term. It’s rare you get to snag another number-one guy, and if the risks aligned with Zion could be swapped for that, I think I would bite…this year especially. That’s Scoot though, since there’s no real Miller-or- Zion conversion. Once

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