While new executive vice president of basketball operations Joe Dumars said he had been “advised not to venture into any of his legal issues” in an interview with The Times-Picayune, he made it clear the team intends to build around its former No. 1 overall pick.

Rape allegations made against New Orleans Pelicans star Zion Williamson in a bombshell lawsuit will not affect the team's plans on his future, according to newly hired executive vice president of basketball operations Joe Dumars.

A woman has accused Pelicans forward Zion Williamson of rape in addition to "sexual, physical, emotional and financial" abuse during a relationship that lasted from 2018 to 2023, according to a lawsuit submitted to Los Angeles Superior Court.