Windhorst/Stein Report Zion Williamson Could Theoretically Return To Duke

[MattyIce]

https://basketball.realgm.com/wiretap/253804/Windhorst-Stein-Report-Zion-Williamson-Could-Theoretically-Return-To-Duke

leverage?

[Silky]

A new steve francis?

[footey]

Yeah I’ve read several accounts of this.

This could be good for us especially if the Knicks worked out a trade by swapping picks with them and adding other picks or players, depleting their war chest of assets to acquire Davis.

If he went back to Duke or overseas for a year, Pels would draft Morant, and everyone else’s pick gets devalued. Plus Memphis pick next year has more value assuming Zion reenters that draft.

[Big333223]

I get not liking the Pels but I would love to live in New Orleans.

[Roy H.]

Returning to school means:

1. Giving up $9.8 million in salary for one year;

2. Deferring tens of millions of dollars in endorsements;

3. Delaying his second contract by one year;

4. Risking injury.

Plus, he’d have to make the decision prior to the draft, so NOP could easily call his bluff.

[RazzelnoDazzel]

https://basketball.realgm.com/wiretap/253804/Windhorst-Stein-Report-Zion-Williamson-Could-Theoretically-Return-To-Duke

leverage?

lol this is a pipe dream y’all. This the same guy who came back to play for Duke after his shoes blew up. He’s going to Pels and he will be fine.

[RJ87]

Returning to school means:

1. Giving up $9.8 million in salary for one year;

2. Deferring tens of millions of dollars in endorsements;

3. Delaying his second contract by one year;

4. Risking injury.

Plus, he’d have to make the decision prior to the draft, so NOP could easily call his bluff.

Given that his game is based entirely on his athleticism, I'd think the risk of injury is too great.

Besides, what'll happen next year when New Orleans or Memphis or Cleveland win again, is he gonna pull the same thing?

[footey]

He has leverage. Depends if he wants to use it, especially if he was intent on going to the Knicks.

[rocknrollforyoursoul]

Returning to school means:

1. Giving up $9.8 million in salary for one year;

2. Deferring tens of millions of dollars in endorsements;

3. Delaying his second contract by one year;

4. Risking injury.

Plus, he’d have to make the decision prior to the draft, so NOP could easily call his bluff.

I used to be more on the "Stay in School!" train with these college guys, but there's a TON of money at stake, even for lower-tier draft picks, and injuries can happen at any time. If it was me, I'd enter the draft, take advantage of the financial benefits of being an NBA player, THEN go back to campus to visit my friends or finish my degree or whatever.

[PhoSita]

Sounds like it's just people speculating that he could potentially do this, which isn't even speculation, it's just a statement of fact that technically it's an option.

Zion would have to be crazy to pass up getting selected #1 overall to play another year of college.

[Roy H.]

He has leverage. Depends if he wants to use it, especially if he was intent on going to the Knicks.

I don’t think he does. No team will take that threat seriously.

Plus, what’s his strategy? Force a trade to the Knicks, so that they can trade him back to NOP for Davis?

[Birdman]

Could pull a John Elway and ask for a trade when he was pick 1st

[Tr1boy]

He has leverage. Depends if he wants to use it, especially if he was intent on going to the Knicks.

I don’t think he does. No team will take that threat seriously.

Plus, what’s his strategy? Force a trade to the Knicks, so that they can trade him back to NOP for Davis?

Lol

That would be funny if it happened

[Tr1boy]

Could pull a John Elway and ask for a trade when he was pick 1st

Marbury and francis did the same no?

[celticsclay]

Returning to school means:

1. Giving up $9.8 million in salary for one year;

2. Deferring tens of millions of dollars in endorsements;

3. Delaying his second contract by one year;

4. Risking injury.

Plus, he’d have to make the decision prior to the draft, so NOP could easily call his bluff.

Yea this is a non-story. Can you imagine if he blew his acl out next year at Duke and wasn't ready for draft? The league is not set up for people to do this.