Zion Williamson Leaving Team USA to Focus on Upcoming Season is Best for His Career
By Max Scoli
Zion Williamson has joined the growing list of NBA players who have withdrawn from Team USA ahead of the 2019 FIBA World Cup.
New Orleans Pelicans No. 1 overall pick Zion Williamson has withdrawn from USA Basketball's Select Team for FIBA World Cup training, Team USA director Jerry Colangelo told @TheAthleticNBA @Stadium.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 22, 2019
While some New Orleans Pelicans fans may be disappointed that they will have to wait until October to see their beloved No. 1 overall pick in action, this is definitely the best career move for the crowd favorite.
His decision stems from a desire to better assimilate into his new NBA organization, an adjustment that takes even superstar athletes some getting used to. Williamson will need some time to become fully acclimated with his new teammates, coaches and playbook, especially considering his short-lived Summer League career.
Zion Williamson has withdrawn from USA Basketball's select team for FIBA World Cup training, per @ShamsCharania
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) July 22, 2019
Zion is “fully focused” on getting integrated with the Pelicans pic.twitter.com/i3K10RGogb
Even Coach K said that Zion wasn't ready to compete at the professional level, stating that he needs to re-focus his efforts on fine-tuning his game while avoiding the outside distractions caused by the media.
Participating in the FIBA World Cup would only put the Duke product at risk. His recovery is continuing to progress, but throwing the young phenom into game action when he isn't ready could be detrimental.