Career Timeline of Zion Williamson: Major Achievements and Milestones

How Zion Williamson built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Zion Williamson is a professional basketball player currently playing for the New Orleans Pelicans in the NBA. A power forward, he gained prominence during his single season with the Duke Blue Devils, leading to him being drafted first overall in the 2019 NBA draft. He earned NBA All-Rookie First Team honors in 2020 and became an All-Star in 2021. His career has been impacted by injuries.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1983: Comparison to Michael Jordan

In 2020, Zion Williamson became the first rookie since Michael Jordan in 1983 to post 16 20-point games within their first 20 contests while also logging the highest scoring average through his first 24 career NBA games since Jordan in 1983.

1992: Comparison to Christian Laettner

In March 2019, Zion Williamson became the first Duke player since Christian Laettner in 1992 to record at least 25 points, 10 rebounds, and 5 steals in a game.

2013: Johnakin Conference Title

In 2013, Zion Williamson guided Johnakin Middle School to an 8-1 record and a conference title.

March 2015: SCISA North-South All-Star Game

In March 2015, Zion Williamson participated in the SCISA North-South All-Star Game in Sumter, South Carolina.

June 2016: NBPA Top 100 Camp

In June 2016, Zion Williamson participated in the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) Top 100 camp and was its leading scorer.

August 30, 2016: Duke Scholarship Offer

On August 30, 2016, Zion Williamson received a scholarship offer from Duke University.

2016: National Spotlight

Starting in the 2016-17 season, Zion Williamson was propelled into the national spotlight for his viral highlight videos.

January 13, 2018: Hoophall Classic Game

On January 13, 2018, Zion Williamson scored 36 points in a nationally televised game at the Hoophall Classic, though his team lost to Chino Hills High School.

January 20, 2018: Commitment to Duke

On January 20, 2018, Zion Williamson committed to Duke University in a live ESPN telecast.

November 6, 2018: Duke Debut

On November 6, 2018, in his first regular-season game with Duke, Zion Williamson scored 28 points in a 118–84 win over Kentucky, breaking the Duke freshman debut scoring record with teammate RJ Barrett.

2018: Number one player

Entering his junior season, in 2018, he was a consensus five-star recruit and was ranked the number one player in the 2018 class by recruiting service 247Sports.

2018: McDonald's All-American Game Injury

In 2018, Zion Williamson played in the McDonald's All-American Game on March 28, scoring 8 points but leaving with a thumb injury. The injury also forced him to miss the Jordan Brand Classic and Nike Hoop Summit in the following month.

2018: High School Ranking

In 2018, Zion Williamson was ranked among the top five players in his class and was a consensus five-star recruit while at Spartanburg Day School.

January 5, 2019: Strong Performance vs Clemson

On January 5, 2019, Zion Williamson had a strong performance versus Clemson, with 25 points, 10 rebounds, and a 360-degree dunk.

January 2019: Duke Scoring Record

In January 2019, Zion Williamson set the single-game school scoring record for freshmen while playing for Duke.

February 4, 2019: ACC Freshman of the Week

On February 4, 2019, Williamson was named ACC Freshman of the Week and earned a National Player of the Week distinction from the Naismith Trophy.

April 15, 2019: NBA Draft Declaration

On April 15, 2019, Zion Williamson declared his eligibility for the 2019 NBA draft.

June 20, 2019: NBA Draft

On June 20, 2019, Zion Williamson was drafted by the New Orleans Pelicans with the first pick in the 2019 NBA draft.

July 1, 2019: Pelicans Contract

On July 1, 2019, Zion Williamson officially signed with the New Orleans Pelicans.

2019: NCAA Tournament Debut

For the 2019 NCAA tournament, official broadcast partner CBS specifically devoted a camera called the "Zion Cam" to record Williamson throughout the tournament. Also in 2019, Williamson joined Kevin Durant and Anthony Davis as one of the only freshmen in history to collect 500 points, 50 steals, and 50 blocks in a season.

2019: NBA Draft

In 2019, Zion Williamson was selected as the first overall pick in the NBA draft by the New Orleans Pelicans after a year with the Duke Blue Devils.

January 22, 2020: NBA Debut

On January 22, 2020, Zion Williamson made his professional debut with the New Orleans Pelicans in a game against the San Antonio Spurs, scoring 22 points.

2020: NBA All-Rookie First Team

In 2020, Zion Williamson was named to the NBA All-Rookie First Team.

February 12, 2021: Career High Against Mavericks

On February 12, 2021, Zion Williamson scored a then career high 36 points in a 143–130 defeat against the Dallas Mavericks. He finished the game on 14-of-15 shooting from the field, making him the youngest player in NBA history with 30 points on 90 percent shooting.

February 23, 2021: NBA All-Star Selection

On February 23, 2021, Zion Williamson was selected into his first NBA All-Star Game.

March 21, 2021: Win Over Denver Nuggets

On March 21, 2021, Zion Williamson scored 30 points and had 6 rebounds in a 113–108 win over the Denver Nuggets.

2021: NBA All-Star Selection

In 2021, Zion Williamson was selected to an All-Star game, becoming the fourth-youngest NBA player to achieve this honor.

July 6, 2022: Rookie Extension with Pelicans

On July 6, 2022, Zion Williamson signed a five-year rookie extension with the New Orleans Pelicans worth $193 million guaranteed, increasing to $231 million if he made an All-NBA team in the 2022–2023 season.

October 4, 2022: Return From Injury

On October 4, 2022, Zion Williamson made his return from injury, putting up 13 points, four rebounds, one assist, and one steal in a 129–125 preseason win over the Chicago Bulls.

January 26, 2023: Second NBA All-Star Appearance

On January 26, 2023, Zion Williamson was selected for his second NBA All-Star appearance, but was later replaced by Anthony Edwards due to unavailability.

November 29, 2023: Win over Philadelphia 76ers

On November 29, 2023, Williamson recorded 33 points on 11-of-12 shooting from the field, 11-of-12 from the free throw line along with eight rebounds, six assists, and three steals in a 124–114 win over the Philadelphia 76ers.

February 2, 2024: Game-Winning Layup

On February 2, 2024, Williamson put up 33 points, eight rebounds, and a game-winning layup in a 114–113 win over the San Antonio Spurs.

January 8, 2025: Return From Hamstring Strain

On January 8, 2025, Zion Williamson made his return from an early season left hamstring strain, scoring 22 points in just under 28 minutes in a 104–97 loss to the Timberwolves.