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 prominent American professional basketball player currently playing for the New Orleans Pelicans in the NBA as a power forward. After a single season with Duke University, he was drafted first overall by the Pelicans in the 2019 NBA draft. Williamson was named to the NBA All-Rookie First Team in 2020. In 2021, he distinguished himself further by becoming the fourth-youngest player ever selected for the NBA All-Star game, solidifying his status as a rising star in the league.

Sections (4)

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

2013: Johnakin Conference Title

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

March 2015: SCISA North-South All-Star Game

In March 2015, Zion Williamson participated in the SCISA North-South All-Star Game held in Sumter, South Carolina, marking an early milestone in his basketball career.

June 2016: NBPA Top 100 Camp

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

January 2019: Freshman Scoring Record

In January 2019, during his freshman season with Duke, Zion Williamson set the single-game school scoring record for freshmen, marking an impressive achievement.

April 15, 2019: NBA Draft Eligibility

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

June 20, 2019: Drafted by Pelicans

On June 20, 2019, Zion Williamson was drafted by the New Orleans Pelicans as the first pick in the 2019 NBA draft, beginning his professional career.

July 1, 2019: Official Signing with Pelicans

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

July 23, 2019: Signed Shoe Deal with Jordan Brand

On July 23, 2019, Zion Williamson signed a five-year, $75 million shoe deal with Jordan brand. This deal is the second-largest rookie shoe deal in history, trailing only LeBron James's $90 million rookie deal signed in 2003.

2019: NBA Draft

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

January 22, 2020: NBA 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, including 17 consecutive points in the fourth quarter.

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

On March 13, 2020, Zion Williamson pledged to pay 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. He was one of several basketball players who stepped up to help the arena workers.

February 12, 2021: Career High 36 points against Dallas 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 Game Selection

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

March 21, 2021: 30 Points Against Denver Nuggets

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

July 6, 2022: Signed Five-Year 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: Selected for 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 his injury.

November 29, 2023: 33 Points Against Philadelphia 76ers

On November 29, 2023, Zion Williamson recorded 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 San Antonio 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 Injury

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.