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. After playing for Duke University, he was drafted first overall in the 2019 NBA draft by the Pelicans. Williamson was selected for the NBA All-Rookie First Team in 2020 and became the fourth-youngest player named to an All-Star game in 2021. He plays the power forward position.

Sections (4)

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

1983: Highest Scoring Average

Zion Williamson logged the highest scoring average through his first 24 career NBA games since Michael Jordan in 1983.

2013: Guided Johnakin to Conference Title

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

March 2015: Participated in SCISA All-Star Game

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

June 2016: Participated in 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: Received Scholarship Offer from Duke

On August 30, 2016, Zion Williamson received a scholarship offer from Duke University, marking a significant step in his college recruitment.

2016: Propelled Into National Spotlight

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

2017: High School Season

For his 2017-18 high school season, Williamson was named to the USA Today All-USA first team and MaxPreps All-American second team.

January 13, 2018: Played in Hoophall Classic

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

January 20, 2018: Committed to Duke

On January 20, 2018, Zion Williamson committed to Duke University, citing the brotherhood and the opportunity to learn from Coach Mike Krzyzewski as key factors in his decision.

November 6, 2018: Scored 28 Points in Duke Debut

On November 6, 2018, Zion Williamson scored 28 points in his regular season debut with Duke, breaking the Duke freshman debut scoring record, and contributing to a 118-84 victory over Kentucky.

2018: Played in McDonald's All-American Game

On March 28, 2018, Zion Williamson played in the McDonald's All-American Game, scoring 8 points before leaving with a thumb injury.

January 5, 2019: Strong Performance Versus Clemson

On January 5, 2019, Zion Williamson had a strong performance against Clemson, scoring 25 points and securing 10 rebounds.

January 2019: Named ACC Player of the Year

In January 2019, during his freshman season with Duke, Zion Williamson was named ACC Player of the Year, ACC Athlete of the Year, and ACC Rookie of the Year, in addition to setting a single-game school scoring record for freshmen.

February 4, 2019: Named ACC Freshman of the Week

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

April 15, 2019: Declared for NBA Draft

On April 15, 2019, Zion Williamson officially declared his eligibility for the 2019 NBA draft, marking the beginning of his professional basketball career.

June 20, 2019: Drafted by New Orleans Pelicans

On June 20, 2019, Zion Williamson was drafted by the New Orleans Pelicans with the first overall pick in the 2019 NBA draft, a pivotal moment in his professional career.

July 1, 2019: Signed with the Pelicans

On July 1, 2019, Zion Williamson officially signed with the New Orleans Pelicans, solidifying his entry into the NBA.

July 23, 2019: Signs Shoe Deal with Jordan Brand

On July 23, 2019, Zion Williamson signed a five-year, $75 million shoe deal with Jordan Brand. This deal marked the second-largest rookie shoe deal in history, trailing only LeBron James's deal in 2003.

2019: NCAA Tournament Debut

For the 2019 NCAA tournament, CBS devoted a camera to record Zion Williamson throughout the tournament. In his debut on March 22, he scored 25 points. In 33 appearances in his freshman season, he averaged 22.6 points, 8.9 rebounds, 2.1 steals, and 1.8 blocks per game.

2019: Selected by Pelicans in NBA Draft

In 2019, Zion Williamson was selected by the New Orleans Pelicans with the first overall pick in the NBA draft, marking a significant milestone in his career.

January 22, 2020: Professional Debut

On January 22, 2020, Zion Williamson made his professional debut in a game against the San Antonio Spurs, scoring 22 points and grabbing 7 rebounds, highlighting his highly anticipated arrival in the NBA.

March 13, 2020: Pledges to Pay Smoothie King Center Employees

On March 13, 2020, Zion Williamson pledged to cover the salaries of all employees at the Smoothie King Center for 30 days during the suspension of the 2019–20 NBA season due to the COVID-19 pandemic, joining other basketball players in supporting arena staff.

2020: Named to NBA All-Rookie First Team

In 2020, Zion Williamson was named to the NBA All-Rookie First Team, acknowledging his exceptional performance during his initial season in the league.

February 12, 2021: Career High 36 Points 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 achieved this by making 14-of-15 shots from the field, becoming the youngest player in NBA history to score 30 points on 90 percent shooting.

February 23, 2021: NBA All-Star Game Selection

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

March 21, 2021: 30 Points and 6 Rebounds Against Nuggets

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

2021: Selected to All-Star Game

In 2021, Zion Williamson became the fourth youngest NBA player to be selected for an All-Star game, solidifying his status as a rising star in the league.

July 6, 2022: Signs Rookie Extension with Pelicans

On July 6, 2022, Zion Williamson signed a five-year rookie extension with the New Orleans Pelicans, guaranteeing him $193 million, with a potential increase 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 returned from injury, scoring 13 points, grabbing four rebounds, making one assist, and one steal in a 129–125 preseason win over the Chicago Bulls.

January 26, 2023: Selected for Second NBA All-Star Appearance

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

November 29, 2023: 33 Points Against 76ers

On November 29, 2023, Zion Williamson scored 33 points, shooting 11-of-12 from the field and 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 Against Spurs

On February 2, 2024, Zion Williamson scored 33 points, grabbed eight rebounds, and made 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 returned from an early season left hamstring strain. He scored 22 points in just under 28 minutes during a 104–97 loss to the Timberwolves.