After his promising start in the NBA in 2019, Zion Williamson's career has faced significant setbacks due to injuries and off-court issues, including a recent suspension from the New Orleans Pelicans for tardiness. Former NBA star Carmelo Anthony criticized the culture surrounding Williamson, suggesting that being overly coddled contributed to his struggles. Anthony stated that Williamson has not yet built a strong resume to match his star power and emphasized the importance of accountability within the Pelicans' organization.

Anthony remarked on the broader implications of the player empowerment era, reflecting on how it has created challenges for young talents like Williamson. With the right guidance, there is still time for Williamson to recalibrate his career amid the heightened expectations placed upon him. However, many in the league have begun to question whether he is fully committed to realizing his potential.