When Zion Williamson was drafted first overall in the 2019 draft, it was viewed by many as a second chance for the organisation, a new franchise star to replace the recently-departed Anthony Davis.
But six years into his tenure, Williamson's time with the team has been inconsistent at best, losing significant time due to a myriad of injuries and yet to play in a single playoff game for the team.
As Williamson recovers from yet another injury after playing just six games this season, one former Pelicans All-Star has claimed that New Orleans was a disastrous landing spot for the once generational prospect.
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DeMarcus Cousins claims Zion Williamson set up for failure
While with New Orleans, Williamson has twice been named an All-Star, and has played impressive basketball, looking every bit the franchise cornerstone he was promised to be while on the court.
The problem, however, is the amount of time he has spent on the court, playing just 190 of a possible 397 games since coming to The Big Easy.
According to former NBA All-Star and Pelicans big man DeMarcus Cousins, the team Williamson was drafted to had a direct impact in his early career struggles.
"I thought it was a bad decision" Cousins said on the Run It Back show.
"This guy came in, he was getting drafted to New Orleans and we knew there was a weight concern, that was bad then.
"New Orleans isn't some place that just gives health, that's a place that you go and gain 10 pounds, you drink, have a good time, that's what the culture of New Orleans is.
"To put that kid in that situation and expect him to thrive, that was the first mistake."
Weight has indeed been an ongoing issue for Williamson in his NBA career, with the Pelicans even forced to include a clause in his contract stating that his combined weight and body fat percentage must be below 295 pounds.
He has been sidelined since November 6, after suffering a left hamstring strain, with ESPN insider Shams Charania saying the forward is "not close to a return".
