2. Zion is a rookie, he can put great numbers and Pelicans still won’t make the playoffs. Davis has burned bridges with not only the Pelicans organization but the fans. The franchise needs a fresh start for the fans sake and need to just trade especially with reports that Davis’ stance has not changed.
It's true that rookies generally don't impact winning.
There are exceptions though.
Dominant, athletic big men have had a tendency to put up big numbers as soon as they enter the league. Duncan, Shaq, Towns, Webber, Pau, Dwight. Griffin and Simmons as well, though they had a red shirt year after they were drafted.
Zion to me profiles as guy who will probably be able to put up double doubles with high scoring efficiency and a good number of free throws pretty much from day one.
He will still be a rookie; he will still make mistakes.
Is it possible he's an upgrade on Julius Randle, though? I think there is.