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Message: [QUOTE="IthacaBarrel, post: 4692044, member: 363"] Zion was in great shape when he started the season last year. Could or should he be playing at 260 as opposed to a shade under 285, yeah most likely. His new contract is very clear that he needs to be under 285. I think his issue is his commitment to recovery, fitness and nutrition when the season starts and I think CJ McCollum and JJ Reddick has been pretty vocal on this for quite some time. even if he stays healthy Zion's career is most likely over by the time he is 30, I would imagine this will be his last big contract Whether or not he should be traded is up to David Griffin and the Pelicans. They know more than anybody what would surprise me more is if they traded Ingram. BI who has had health issues himself, never says a word, works hard, does the work and quietly has been a team leader that all the younger guys try to emulate. Murphy, Herb Jones, Alvarado, Dyson Daniels and Naji Marshall all look up to him and respect him. I think CJ talks a lot but BI is the glue. BI also was great in the playoff series vs Phoenix and great the last 30 games of this past season. He's quiet, from the South and is a pro and never said one word about playing in New Orleans. He does not have an entourage and really loves the game The stuff in his personal life? Is what it is, not for me personally but if he plays 65 games this year and averages 27/8/5 and above 65% FG percentage nobody will really care. It's not a good look but not really uncommon. Zion also needs to start speaking up and stop letting his step dad speak for him. He's 22 years old. I think in in 2 years BI, CJ and Zion have played 12 games together. That's the biggest issue. Team has talent and when somewhat healthy should be a top 5-6 team in the West. But big IF though Personally, if I had to guess I think they trade Jonas V at the center position and try to get more athletic there and Zion and BI stay but between Zion or BI I think Zion goes. No denying that Murphy is coming on though and works hard, great kid too and a logical replacement for BI in a couple years when his contract runs out. They really can't keep the team together for much more than this year anyway with the new CBA and New Orleans will most likely not go into the luxury tax unless the team has a viable path to make a run at at title which given their health history looks very unlikely If the Pels can get Scoot for Zion I think you go for it not sure how likely that is. Still a big risk though because IMO Zion when healthy is a top 10 player in the NBA but may be best for both parties to get a fresh start [/QUOTE]

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