‘You Can’t Depend On Him’ – Former NBA Champion Accuses Zion Williamson Of Being a ‘Culture Killer’
In 2019, Zion Williamson was the most-hyped rookie after LeBron James. The young talent was the obvious No. 1 pick for the New Orleans Pelicans, fans already dreaming up a successful career for the Duke graduate.
However, if anyone has been following the NBA, it’s evident that Williamson’s career has taken an unfortunate turn. The 25-year-old has spent most of his career sidelined, fans — and a few NBA analysts — believing that most hope is lost.
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Retired NBA Champion Calls Out Zion Williamson’s Disappointing Run With the Pelicans
Williamon’s disappointing career graph is glaringly evident. Every season reduces the hope of a comeback, further demoralizing Pelicans fans.
In a recent episode of the “Road Trippin Show,” Kendrick Perkins broke down his issue with Williamson, connecting it to the Pelicans and how it affects the team’s culture.
Kendrick Perkins believes Zion Williamson is a “culture killer”
“Zion completely fu*ked that organization since they drafted him. Top to bottom. You can’t depend on him”
(Via @RoadTrippinShow, h/t @NBA__Courtside)pic.twitter.com/2D2TOHr5Qn
— Fullcourtpass (@Fullcourtpass) November 19, 2025
Discussing the Pelicans’ firing head coach Willie Green, Perkins said: “This is less about Willie Green being fired and how Zion Williamson is a culture killer and organization killer.”
“Zion has completely f***ed this organization since they drafted him,” Perkins added. “Real talk. You can’t depend on him. You don’t know what’s going on. There’s so much you have to do, you have to clean up certain areas.”
Kendricks didn’t just point out what’s wrong with Williamson, but also suggested a solution for the team. “…What are you going to do with him? They can waive him, they can trade him. What is his trade market? I think they should move on from Zion,” Perkins said.
Furthermore, Perkins also brought up Williamson’s recently injured hamstring. According to the 2008 NBA Champion, no other player has hurt his hamstring more than the Pelicans star.
He injured his hamstring earlier this year in January, which followed previous hamstring injuries in November 2024. The injury also persisted in April 2024 and January 2023.
Williamson is Reportedly Excited to Work With the New Pelicans’ Interim HC
Irrespective of Williamson’s performance, the Pelicans are taking steps to revive their current campaign. They fired Green, appointing James Borrego as their interim HC.
According to NBA insider Michael Scotto, Williamson is well acquainted with Borrego. “It’s worth noting that Borrego also took over Williamson’s player development program this season. By all accounts, Williamson has responded well to Borrego and respects him, sources said,” Scotto wrote.
Scotto also mentioned, however, that not enough people held Williamson responsible. Williamson, averaging 22.8 points per game, is currently listed as questionable for the Pelicans’ next game. Ranked last in the Western Conference with a 2-12 win-loss record, the Pelicans will play the Denver Nuggets on Wednesday, November 19.
