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.

Zion Williamson has been accused of years of "sexual, physical, emotional and financial" abuse according to a lawsuit filed Thursday.