2019 NBA Mock Draft: A crazy lottery throws everything into question

Rather than what Williamson said about himself, it’s fascinating to consider the larger implications of what his presence in New Orleans will do for the franchise. There were immediate questions about whether Williamson would want to play for the Pelicans, but as the team builds out a competitive and smart front office, it’s clear the infrastructure is being installed to support Williamson deep into his career.

Regarding Anthony Davis and a potential trade of the 2018 All-Star by the Pelicans, new Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations David Griffin said, “And if winning is what he is indeed all about, which we have every reason to believe, we feel confident that we can create — and are creating — the right environment for Anthony and frankly for high-caliber players of all types to want to be a part of.

“This is something that we hope creates an energy that recruits itself, and Anthony would just be one step in that process.”

Griffin isn’t buying that Williamson or anyone else would not want to be part of his organization:

"“We’ve sat with multiple players that we’re looking at for that first pick. In fact, in the case of Zion Williamson, Alvin Gentry and I sat with he and his parents the night of the lottery. … And Alvin and I were also together in interviewing Ja Morant in Chicago as well. And I think because we sat with those kids, who are both incredible human beings and all about all the right things, we know unequivocally that either one of them would be thrilled to join us in New Orleans. And they’re both very much excited about the concept.”"

Check out our full scouting report on Zion Williamson.