re: This franchise is going nowhere

That has always been the case. Zion is an anchor that is going to hold this team down until they finally part ways, and then everyone will coalesce around the next flawed superstar the Pelicans find themselves with.

Chris Paul was in his prime in New Orleans but never got the support he needed.

Anthony Davis never had a chance as he is not suited to be the #1 man on a team and is injury prone.

Zion is just a smaller version of Anthony Davis with a more robust offensive skillset, but is even more injury prone.

Going to be an ugly finish to the year then some undue excitement next season.