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. Drafted first overall in 2019 after a year at Duke, Williamson quickly made an impact, earning NBA All-Rookie First Team honors in 2020. Known for his athleticism and powerful playing style as a power forward, he became one of the youngest NBA All-Stars in 2021, solidifying his status as a rising star in the league.
1954: Tying Abdul-Jabbar's record
In 1954, Zion Williamson tied Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's record for the longest streak of at least 20-point games on 50-percent shooting within his first two seasons since the shot clock era.
1980: Streak surpassing Hall-of-Famers
In 1980, Zion Williamson's streak eventually grew to 25 consecutive games, surpassing Hall-of-Famers Wilt Chamberlain and Karl Malone while tying Shaquille O'Neal's record of 25 consecutive such games, with no other player having had a longer streak since the three-point era.
November 6, 2018: Duke Debut Scoring Record
On November 6, 2018, Zion Williamson scored 28 points in his debut game for Duke, breaking the Duke freshman debut scoring record.
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 in 22 minutes.
January 2019: Duke Freshman Scoring Record
In January 2019, Zion Williamson set the single-game school scoring record for freshmen at Duke.
April 15, 2019: NBA Draft Eligibility Declaration
On April 15, 2019, Zion Williamson declared his eligibility for the 2019 NBA draft.
June 20, 2019: Drafted by Pelicans
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: Signed with Pelicans
On July 1, 2019, Zion Williamson officially signed with the New Orleans Pelicans.
July 23, 2019: Signing with Jordan Brand
On July 23, 2019, Zion Williamson signed a five-year, $75 million shoe deal with Jordan brand.
2019: NCAA Tournament Debut
In the 2019 NCAA tournament, Zion Williamson made his debut and played exceptionally well.
January 22, 2020: Professional Debut
On January 22, 2020, Zion Williamson made his professional debut with 22 points against the San Antonio Spurs.
March 13, 2020: Pledging Salaries for Arena Employees
On March 13, 2020, Zion Williamson pledged to pay for the salaries of all the employees of the Smoothie King Center for 30 days during the suspension of the 2019–20 NBA season due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
February 12, 2021: Career High Points
On February 12, 2021, Zion Williamson scored a then career high 36 points against the Dallas Mavericks.
March 21, 2021: Win Over Nuggets
On March 21, 2021, Zion Williamson scored 30 points in a win over the Denver Nuggets.
July 6, 2022: Signing Rookie Extension
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.
November 29, 2023: 33 Points Against 76ers
On November 29, 2023, Zion 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.
2023: All-NBA Team Potential
In 2023, Zion Williamson's rookie extension would increase to $231 million if he made an All-NBA team in the 2022-2023 season.
February 2, 2024: Game-Winning Layup Against Spurs
On February 2, 2024, Zion 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 returned from a left hamstring strain, scoring 22 points in a loss to the Timberwolves.
