It’s been a whirlwind week in the NBA, with drama unfolding faster than fans can keep up. Just as Jimmy Butler’s trade demands and suspension sent shockwaves through the league, Zion Williamson found himself at the center of controversy too. While both stars have dominated headlines, it’s their suspensions that have sparked the most debate. And now, former NBA players like Gilbert Arenas and Nick Young aren’t holding back, questioning why franchises keep putting their stars on blast.

On Gil’s Arena, Nick Young shared his frustration with this trend, bluntly asking, “Out, that’s stupid spending the nig-a putting them out there. Why, why, why do they do that now? Is that the thing like to put your star player on blast? To get rid of them?” Clearly, Young’s confusion reflects a broader concern among NBA veterans: why damage your own assets? Gilbert Arenas, always the voice of bold opinions, picked up the conversation.

According to Arenas, suspending superstars is nothing short of self-sabotage. “I already told y’all… you tell us everything is damaged and how bad they are and then expect high quality for them,” he explained, referring to how franchises devalue their players while expecting a high return in trades.

Arenas suggested focusing on fines instead of suspensions, criticizing the double punishment. “You bashing them… find his ass… leave now… You missed a bus, find him! But suspending him after you already find him? That’s two penalties for the same thing.” For Arenas, it’s clear that these actions do more harm than good, damaging relationships and lowering morale.

But why did Williamson get suspended? After missing 27 games due to injury, the Pelicans star finally made his return, scoring 22 points in a game against the Mavericks. Yet, just as things were looking up for New Orleans, Williamson was suspended for showing up late for a team flight to Philly.

Even Stephen A. Smith couldn’t hold back on First Take, criticizing Williamson’s lack of professionalism. “Zion played seven games this year. Seven games! What are you late to anything for?” Smith quipped, slamming the 23-year-old for letting his team down. With tensions running high, Williamson also opened up on the incident.

Zion Williamson breaks his silence

Zion Williamson, the 24-year-old New Orleans Pelicans star, finally spoke out after his suspension left fans questioning his dedication. Addressing the issue head-on, Zion held himself accountable for the incident. “I take full responsibility for this suspension. I’ve worked extremely hard in rehab to get healthy and deliver for this team. There is no excuse for being late to team activities,” he stated.

Just days after his suspension, Zion returned to the court against the Boston Celtics. Though he played 33 minutes and scored 16 points, the Pelicans narrowly lost a 120-119 thriller. Speaking about the consequences of his actions post-game, Zion doubled down on accountability. “This is my job. Holding me accountable—there are consequences for actions, and that was my consequence,” he explained.

The road back hasn’t been easy. Between rehabbing a tough hamstring injury and dealing with off-court scrutiny, Zion has faced significant hurdles. Yet, the two-time All-Star remains determined to prove himself. Fans remain hopeful that his return will provide the spark the Pelicans need during a shaky season.

But the big question still hangs in the air: can Zion lead New Orleans back into playoff contention, or will his off-court issues continue to cast a shadow over his talent?